HC Deb 10 June 1937 vol 324 cc1940-1
26. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a recent case of brutal assault on a young girl in which the judge at Leicester Assizes regretted that he had no power to order whipping; and will he draw the attention of the Committee on Corporal Punishment to the facts of this case.

Mr. Lloyd

I have seen press reports to the effect stated in the first part of the question. It will be the duty of the Committee to take account of all considerations relevant to their inquiry, including such considerations as are raised by the case in question.

Sir A. Knox

But does.not the hon. Gentleman agree that it would be rather useful for the Home Office to draw the attention of the committee to this case, on the chance that they may not have seen it?

Mr. Lloyd

I have no doubt that the committee will investigate the considerations raised in this class of case.

Mr. Thurtle

Will the Home Office consider taking powers to permit magistrates to order compulsory surgical operation in cases of this kind?

Sir Frank Sanderson

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that this is a type of case in which sterilisation might be of considerable advantage?