HC Deb 28 January 1943 vol 386 cc607-8
43. Mr. Thorneycroft

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the case of Brian Sheridan, aged five years, eight months, of 187, Palmerston Street, Manchester, who was drowned in a static water supply tank, in Waugh Street, Ancoats, on 20th January, 1943, and that the wooden fence which protected this tank had been broken by persons unknown; and will he consider increasing the penalty to imprisonment without the option of a fine where persons are convicted of damage of this character and thereby endangering the lives of young children?

Mr. H. Morrison

I have no information in regard to this incident but have instituted inquiries. As regards the second part of the Question, there is already power to sentence to imprisonment, without the option of a fine, any person found guilty of committing damage of this kind.

Mr. Thorneycroft

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is an increase in this type of wilful damage which proves that the present penalties are quite inadequate, and will he look into the matter in that light?

Mr. Morrison

I hope the hon. Member's Supplementary Question will command attention from those concerned. I assure him we attach great importance to the matter and are anxious that these offences shall be seriously regarded.

Sir William Davison

Does my right hon. Friend realise that there is a great increase in hooliganism in breaking down water protection barriers and damaging shelters, and could not some striking examples be made either by birching some of these young offenders or by increasing the penalties, and so put a stop to this wholesale destruction to property and danger to life?

Mr. Morrison

I very much share the hon. Member's indignation, but the penalties must be imposed by the courts, unless very special powers are given to the Home Secretary, which I think the House would not wish to give.

Sir Percy Harris

Will the Home Secretary consider using the machinery of the local education authorities to instruct young persons in the importance of treating these water tanks, with proper respect?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir. That has been done with considerable advantage. I will consider whether anything further can be done in that respect.

Mr. De la Bère

"Spare the rod."