HC Deb 24 March 1936 vol 310 cc1038-9
30. Mr. DAVIDSON

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of children, 12 years of age and under, summoned to the juvenile court at Mary-hill division, Glasgow, and the number of convictions?

Lieut. - Colonel COLVILLE

During 1935, 150 children of 12 years of age and under were summoned, of whom 123 were found guilty.

Mr. DAVIDSON

Will the question of juvenile crime in Glasgow be further considered, as I understand there is great indignation at the number of convictions against children for perfectly trivial offences?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I shall look into the question which the hon. Member asks. The number of children found guilty last year was considerably less than in the year before in the area to which he refers.

Mr. LEACH

Can the hon. and gallant Member say what is the meaning of "guilty" as applied to a child of 12 or under?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

The word is used purposely instead of "convicted," so that the child is not branded with a conviction.

Mr. HARDIE

Are the Government aware of a speech made last Thursday in Glasgow in which it was said that the increase in juvenile crime was entirely owing to the means test which had been put into operation?