HC Deb 13 May 1948 vol 450 cc2257-8
10. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of cases of corporal punishment in remand homes and approved schools during the past six months, compared with the previous six months.

Mr. Ede

During the six months ended 3ist March last, corporal punishment was administered on 354 occasions in remand homes and, apart from cases in which it was given for minor offences in the schoolroom, on 2,115 occasions in approved schools. During the preceding six months, the comparable figures were 424 and 2,024.

Mr. Sorensen

Surely, that still indicates that the number of punishments of this kind is far too high—[Horn. MEMBERS: "No."] That is the opinion on this side of the House, at least. Could my right hon. Friend take some action to see that these kinds of punishment are minimised?

Mr. Ede

I have every reason to believe that they are minimised at the moment. I must not be taken as accepting some of the reflections cast on the administration of the homes, as suggested in the Question.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

if this punishment has proved so necessary to those best qualified to judge, surely this is not the time to remove it from our legal system?

Mr. Ede

After all, this Question deals with people who have already come within the ambit of the penal system.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Does not the Home Secretary agree that the same enlightened argument that he used in Committee on the Criminal Justice Bill about corporal punishment for criminals, applies equally to adolescents; and when he sets up this committee, as he has promised, on punishments in gaols, will he consider giving the committee power to inquire into the punishments mentioned in the Question?

Mr. Ede

I am glad that my hon. Friend now recognises that the arguments I adduced in favour of retaining corporal punishment for all convicted prisoners were enlightened.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Oh, no. The right hon. Gentleman is misrepresenting me.

Mr. Ede

I am glad that at least the hon. Member has ceased from misrepresenting me. It is within the purview of the committee I propose to appoint.

Several Hon. Members rose

—

Mr. Speaker

This Question asks only the number of cases. Any comment may be a reflection on magistrates, and is out of Order.