HC Deb 01 February 1937 vol 319 c1284
41. Mr. Lovat-Fraser

asked the Home Secretary whether he has forbidden, or proposes to forbid, the taking of the finger-prints of youthful delinquents?

Mr. Lloyd

This matter has been exhaustively considered since it was debated in this House in July last. My hon. Friend will be aware that it is proposed to take the finger-prints of juveniles only in cases of those over 14 years of age arrested for serious offences such as shop-breaking, housebreaking and larceny, and not in any cases of merely trivial offences. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that it is in the public interest that finger-prints should be taken in those cases, but in deference to the representations made in the Debate, he has decided to advise chief officers of police that in any case where it is possible to communicate with a young offender's parents his fingerprints should not be taken without their express consent.

Mr. Thorne

Would it not be a good thing for all hon. Members to have their finger-prints taken?