HC Deb 24 February 1944 vol 397 cc958-9
16. Commander Locker-Lampson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the repulsion felt by those required to watch the flogging of prisoners; and if he will now relieve doctors from undertaking this duty and consider the abolition of flogging.

Mr. H. Morrison

As long as the law authorises corporal punishment, it is essential, in the interests of the prisoner himself, that the flogging should be supervised by the prison medical officers, and I am not prepared to amend the statutory provisions in the respect suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Should not medical officers be doing better work than this?

Mr. Morrison

I do not think I had better enter into the pros and cons of this matter by way of question and answer. It is highly disputable.

Mr. Sorensen

What action does my right hon. Friend propose to take in regard to the recommendations of the Committee which considered the whole question of flogging?

Mr. Morrison

My recollection is that the report came before Parliament and that Parliament took its decision.

Mr. Astor

Has the right hon. Gentleman abandoned or does he intend to resurrect the Criminal Justice Bill of his predecessor, the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Chelsea (Sir S. Hoare), which dealt with this matter?