§ 37. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider the issue of a circular to magistrates giving guidance as to their attitude towards juvenile offenders charged with gross cruelty to animals and birds.
§ Mr. EdeIt is for magistrates to exercise their powers in the light of the particular circumstances of each case, and it would not be right for me to issue any guidance on the lines suggested.
§ Sir T. MooreIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when some unspeakable little hooligans were charged recently with stoning some ducks to death, all the magistrates could find to say in condemnation was, "You naughty little boys"? How can that phraseology bring home to them the wickedness of their offence? Is not it within the duty of the right hon. Gentleman to advise the magistrates as to their duty?
§ Mr. EdeNo, Sir. I think we must assume that magistrates will bear in mind the particular circumstances of each case.