HC Deb 16 November 1944 vol 404 cc2101-2
29. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the statement of the magistrate of the Juvenile Court, Tower Bridge, on 14th November, that a child of seven removed from her own home pending the trial of her parents was placed by the L.C.C. in a remand home in which she shared lessons and water-closets with girls aged 14–17 years, some of whom bad been convicted of crime and many of whom were prostitutes suffering from venereal disease; and whether he has made inquiries into these allegations.

Mr. H. Morrison

I have seen the statement and am making inquiries into the matter.

Mr. Keeling

As the Home Office inspects these homes, and is thus involved in the matter, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of having any inquiry made by an independent person?

Mr. Morrison

That is one of the points that obviously I ought to consider, but the sparks are flying about at the moment. I must get rather more facts, first, to see whether an inquiry is desirable. If it proves to be desirable then certainly the inquiry will have to be of an independent character.

Mr. Lipson

Can the Minister say that if an inquiry takes place it will be held in public?

Mr. Morrison

I should have to consider that.

Sir Irving Albery

Can the Minister say whether any welfare visitors visit these remand homes?

Mr. Morrison

I do not think that this matter arises in regard to welfare visitors.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Is the Minister aware that there is one incontestable fact, and that is that there is great public anxiety on this question?

Mr. Morrison

There is a lot of publicity about it.

Sir Harold Webbe

Can the Minister say on what date the last visit was made by one of his inspectors to this remand home?

Mr. Morrison

No, I cannot.

Mr. Quintin Hogg (by Private Notice)

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been drawn to the contempt of a magistrate's court by Colonel Eton, Assistant Education Officer of the London County Council, by scandalising the court of Mr. John Watson, Justice of the Peace, Chairman of a Juvenile Police Court, in asserting that he had misused his judicial position for the purpose of criticising and abusing the London County Council; and whether the Attorney-General proposes to move for a Writ of Attachment on Colonel Eton?

The Attorney-General (Sir Donald Somervell)

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for calling my attention to this matter, and I am inquiring into it.