HC Deb 14 February 1946 vol 419 cc537-8
96. Mr. P. Freeman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider the amendment of the punishment allowed to be inflicted on very young children by the order of a magistrate.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)

If my hon. Friend will kindly send me particulars of the way in which he thinks the present law needs amendment, I will see that his suggestions receive careful consideration.

Mr. Freeman

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the recent case in which a child of nine was ordered punishment by the magistrate, and does he consider such punishment reasonable?

Mr. Ede

There is a Question on this point on the Order Paper today.