HC Deb 14 March 1935 vol 299 cc536-7
10. Lieut.-Colonel Sir VIVIAN HENDERSON

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider the issue of a circular to courts with a view to ensuring that when a Borstal sentence is imposed the boy or girl is informed of the length of time he or she will be subject to licence?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)

I presume that my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind the suggestion made by the Departmental Committee on the Employment of Prisoners in paragraph 195 of their first report that in passing a sentence of Borstal detention the court should at the same time give the offender clearly to understand that the sentence carries with it supervision for 12 months beyond the actual period of the Borstal sentence. The question of including a reference to this and certain other points to which the committee drew attention has been noted for special consideration in connection with any circular which there may be occasion to issue dealing with Borstal detention or with prison treatment generally.

17. Mr. LOVAT-FRASER

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the paragraph in the report of Colonel Allan, inspector of constabulary in the western division, to the effect that the finger-prints of juvenile offenders should be taken; and whether he will take steps to prevent this being done?

Sir J. GELMOUR

I have seen the paragraph to which the hon. Member refers. It is important from the police point of view that they should be able to maintain proper and sufficient records of persons who have been found guilty of serious offences, but I recognise the objections which are felt in many quarters to the finger-printing of juveniles, and these would have to be taken into account if any action were contemplated to give effect to the inspector's suggestion.

Mr. LOVAT-FRASER

Is it any part of the duty of an inspector of constabulary to express his opinion about the treatment of juvenile offenders in his report?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I think that it is quite within the province of an inspector to express a view on anything which comes within his work and duty.

Mr. PALING

Is this the same inspector who, according to a previous question, recommended that children should be flogged?