HC Deb 17 December 1936 vol 318 c2611
30. Mr. DAY

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the appointment of a Departmental Committee to investigate the efficacy of corporal punishment for certain classes of crime and to prepare amending legislation to abolish same as a punishment for some of the offences for which it is now authorised by law?

Sir J. SIMON

I will consider this matter.

Mr. DAY

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the whole question should be reviewed?

Mr. TURTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider adding to the list of offences liable to corporal punishment that of importuning by day?

Mr. BENSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a careful examination of criminal statistics shows that there is not a vestige of evidence that flogging is either desirable or necessary?

Sir J. SIMON

If there is going to be an inquiry I think we had better not pronounce judgment before the inquiry has concluded.

Forward to