§ 28. Mr. Shortasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that nine boys were ordered to be birched by justices in the West Riding juvenile court, Doncaster, on 7th April; whether the sentences have been carried out; and whether, seeing that a committee is being appointed to consider the question of birching, he proposes to advise magistrates and others not to order birching between now and the committee reporting?
§ Sir J. SimonYes, Sir, nine boys were ordered on 7th April to receive three strokes of the birch. Eight were birched on that day; a medical officer certified that the ninth was unfit for the punishment. As it must be widely known that I have decided to appoint a committee to consider the question, I do not think that further action on my part is required.
§ Mr. ShortWill the right hon. Gentleman go a little further than that and advise magistrates not to order such sentences, having regard to the fact that a committee of inquiry is being appointed?
§ Sir J. SimonI do not think I can do that. The duty of the committee will 1904 be to ascertain and to advise, and I am hurrying up the appointment of the committee in every possible way. In the meantime I am sure that benches of magistrates will realise that I regard this subject as one which needs investigation.
§ Mr. LeachHas the right hon. Gentleman decided upon any of the members of the committee, and have any of them been birched?