HC Deb 05 December 1951 vol 494 cc2373-4
40. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the postponement of the introduction of a Bill abrogating the use of corporal punishment until the next session of the Tanganyika Legislature, contrary to the intention of the despatch dealing with the subject, he will instruct the Administration immediately to proceed with the Measure.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No, Sir. The opportune moment for introducing this Bill to restrict the number of offences for which corporal punishment may be awarded must be left to the decision of the Tanganyika authorities.

Mr. Sorensen

Nevertheless, is it not true that this is contrary to the despatch to which this Question refers? In those circumstances, cannot the right hon. Gentleman at least communicate with the Legislature pointing out how desirable it is that in this and in other areas such a Bill is brought into operation soon?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The hon. Member is quite misinformed on the contents of the despatch, which included the admonition that it might well be imprudent to abolish corporal punishment at a stroke of the pen.