§ 22. Mr. R. J. TAYLORasked the Home Secretary whether he has made, or will make, any representations to the Blythwood children's court magistrates in regard to the reduction or cancellation of the committal to a remand home for one month of a child of eight against whom no offence has yet been proved?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe discretionary action of the juvenile court before final disposal of a case would not appear to be a matter in which I have any authority to intervene, but, without delaying to consider this, I have at once made inquiries in regard to this case, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Mr. TAYLORI wish to thank the right hon. Gentleman for the steps he has taken, but is he fully impressed by the fact that it is a little boy of eight who has been forcibly taken from his mother and put in this remand home?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe question states the age of the child.
§ Mr. TAYLORCan the right hon. Gentleman give me some idea of when there will be an answer to his inquiry, because there is a lot of emotion in the town of Blyth? The town is seething with indignation about this little boy's case.
§ Sir J. SIMONI can well understand the feeling with which my hon. Friend puts the question. I nave pointed out, that before the magistrates discharge their function this is not really a Home Office question, but, none the less, I have already communicated with the authorities, and I communicated by telephone again to-day, and I hope that I shall be able to let the hon. Member know something.
§ Mr. TAYLORI recognise that the magistrates may have made a mistake—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]