§ 19. Mr. Shortasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a further six boys were ordered to be birched by the West Riding juvenile court, Doncaster, on 21st April; whether the sentences have been carried out; and whether he will now reconsider his decision not to advise magistrates not to impose such sentences having regard to the appointment of the committee of inquiry?
§ Sir J. SimonYes, Sir. Six boys were ordered on 21st instant to be birched. Five have been birched, and the police surgeon found that the sixth was unfit for the punishment. I cannot do more than say that I am sure that justices will realise that I regard the whole subject as one which needs investigation.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the boy who was not fit to be birched on the day when the other five were birched has been invited to attend the police court on Tuesday next to be birched?
Mr. WilliamsDoes the right hon. Gentleman regard it as consistent with the law for a boy to be sent home and be called upon to return a week later to receive his birching?
§ Sir J. SimonThat, of course, is quite a separate question, which does not arise out of the Question on the Paper. I do not know the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers, but will make inquiries.
§ Mr. WilliamsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have sent the full circumstances of this case to the Home Office, and will he be good enough to look into them?
§ Sir J. Simonindicated assent.
§ Mr. ShortWould the right hon. Gentleman send a circular to clerks of the peace calling their attention to the fact that he has set up this committee of inquiry?
§ Sir J. SimonI could not do that; the fact is perfectly well known, and I think that, when an inquiry has been set up, it is very essential that the authorities should not seem to pronounce judgment before the inquiry is completed.
§ Mr. GallacherWill not the right hon. Gentleman have some of these boys birched here, so that Members may see?
§ Mr. McGovernWhat do they do with them in America?