HC Deb 01 February 1934 vol 285 c518
15. Mr. CADOGAN

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on 18th January of this year a Scots Guardsman was charged at the Croydon Children's Court for desertion, and whether he will give the House an undertaking that in future serving soldiers, whatever age they may be, shall not be charged in children's courts?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am informed that a youth of 16 was charged at the Croydon Juvenile Court as stated. As my hon. Friend will be aware, Section 45 of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933, provides that, subject to certain exceptions not applicable to this case, no charge against a person under 17 shall be heard by a court of summary jurisdiction which is not a juvenile court. I have no power to vary this provision of the law.

Mr. CADOGAN

Is not this a significant commentary upon the recent raising of the age of the children's court; and would the Government consider establishing children's courts-martial, so as to keep the licentious soldiery separate from the other children?

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that Parliament fully discussed this question?