HC Deb 15 April 1937 vol 322 c1164
32. Mr. Muff

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is in a position to furnish the names of the committee to inquire into the administration of corporal punishment for juvenile delinquents?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir John Simon)

As stated in reply to the hon. Member on 18th March, full consideration of the appropriate personnel is necessary before the composition of this committee can be announced. A number of names are under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make any further statement. I may add that the terms of reference of the committee will not be confined to juvenile delinquents, but the scope of the committee's inquiry will cover also the question of corporal punishment imposed on adults, whether by sentence of the criminal courts or by the prison authorities as part of the system of prison discipline.

Mr. Muff

When could I put a question down again?

Sir J. Simon

Perhaps I might communicate with the hon. Member.

Viscountess Astor

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that there is a woman on the committee?

Sir J. Simon

I anticipated that that question would be put. The words chosen were that "full consideration" would be given "of the appropriate personnel."

Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

Will the right hon. Gentleman be careful to select Members who have had practical experience of corporal punishment and its beneficial effects?

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Will the right hon. Gentleman appoint someone who has not had the benefit of corporal punishment?

Forward to