HC Deb 03 May 1934 vol 289 cc459-60
14. Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been directed to the opinion recently expressed by the chairman of the Eastbourne magistrates' court, when passing a sentence of three months' hard labour for cruelty to an old pony, to the effect that he hoped legislation would soon be introduced giving magistrates the power to inflict flogging in such cases; and, in view of this confirmation of the views expressed by other benches, will he consider revising his recent decision on this subject?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have seen a Press report of the case referred to in this question. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

As these cases are increasing rather than decreasing, and penalties of imprisonment with hard labour and fines are equally inadequate, will my right hon. Friend find some other means of enforcing adequate penalties on these people?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider re-introducing the art of flogging in the Army?