§ 5. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions for cruelty to children have been secured during 1945 to 1949, respectively; and in how many cases the natural mother or father was concerned.
§ Mr. EdeI am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the numbers of those found guilty of offences of cruelty to, or neglect of, children during the years in question. I regret that the information asked for in the second part of the Question is not available.
§ Mr. JannerWould my right hon. Friend say whether he can take any steps to indicate to the various judges or magistrates the feeling prevalent throughout the country that sentences are very light in these cases compared with the offences; and can he say in how many cases the children concerned have been taken out of the care of the persons who have been convicted?
§ Mr. EdeObviously I should have to have notice of the second part of that supplementary question. With regard to the first part, I have noticed that sentences in these cases have been heavier in recent months than they were a little time ago and I think public opinion, as expressed in this House and elsewhere, has had its effect.
§ Following are the numbers:
§ In 1945, 35 persons were found guilty at assizes and quarter sessions of such offences; 1,634 persons were found guilty at magistrates' courts. In 1946, the figures were 10 and 1,058, respectively; in 1947, they were 28 and 1,017; in 1948 they were 36 and 1,004; and in the first nine months of 1949 they were 16 and 626.