§ 33. Sir Ernest Bennettasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the sentence of 10 years imprisonment and 18 lashes with a whip, passed on 25th March at Jerusalem, on an Arab boy of 13 who was charged with shooting at, and slightly injuring a Jew; and whether he would secure some mitigation of this sentence in view of the prisoner's age?
§ 40. Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a 13 year old Arab boy has recently been sentenced by a Jerusalem military court to 10 years imprisonment and 18 strokes of the whip for slightly injuring a Jew; and whether he will take steps to revise this sentence?
§ Sir T. InskipI have received no information regarding this case, but I have asked the High Commissioner for a report. The hon. Members will be aware that the review of sentences imposed by the Military Courts in Palestine is in the discretion of the General Officer Commanding.
§ Mr. SorensenWould the right hon. Gentleman really approve of lashing a boy of 13 in this country; and can he not prevent the infliction of this punishment in Palestine, especially in view of the need for encouraging Arab confidence in this country?
§ Sir T. InskipI think it would be better if I expressed no opinion about facts of which I am at present completely ignorant, but the hon. Member can be assured that the fullest attention will be given to the report when it is received.
§ Mr. McGovernWill the right hon. Gentleman at least see that the lashing does not take place in the meantime?
§ Sir T. InskipAs I have said, I know nothing about it, but I am making inquiries. I do not know whether the stage of punishment has been reached. I will, however, consider the action suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. LansburyIf the punishment has not been inflicted, surely the right hon. Gentleman can have it postponed?
§ Sir T. InskipAs I have said, I will make inquiries as to whether the punishment has been inflicted or not, and certainly I will consider the action suggested by the hon. Member for Shettleston (Mr. McGovern).
§ Mr. SorensenCould not the right hon. Gentleman have done this before now?
§ Mr. LyonsWill my right hon. Friend ask that the punishment should be suspended pending investigation?
§ Mr. LansburyCannot we have a definite statement?
§ Sir T. InskipI have already told the House that I am making inquiries, and I will consider the suggestion which has been made to me when I have a report as to the facts.
§ Mr. LansburyIt is a question whether this boy is to be flogged or not, and we want to know whether the right hon. Gentleman will stop it, and stop it now.
§ Mr. PooleAre there any circumstances in which a sentence of this kind is justified; and, if not, will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that it will not be carried out?
§ Sir T. InskipI assure hon. Members that I, too, dislike a sentence of flogging on a boy of 13. All I can say is that I think it would be better if I ascertain the facts.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, by the time he has made his rather languid inquiries, the boy may have been flogged?
§ Sir T. InskipThe hon. Gentleman has really no right to speak of "languid inquiries." I have already given directions that a report should be asked for.
§ Mr. BarrIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that, by a Bill which is before the House and which is now being discussed in Committee, flogging has been abolished?