HC Deb 08 February 1951 vol 483 cc1921-2
32. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Education whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. P. I. Crashley, of Flixton, who caned the whole class of 32 children because he was unable to discover who was the author of a childish misdemeanour; whether such punishment is in accordance with the regulations approved by him; and what steps he is taking to prevent a recurrence of such an incident.

Mr. Tomlinson

I have seen reports of this incident in the Press. Regulations about corporal punishment are made by local education and school authorities, and are not subject to my approval. I see no reason to intervene in this matter.

Mr. Freeman

Does my right hon. Friend consider that a sense of British justice is being inculcated in this school, when one man, constituting himself judge, jury and executioner, punishes 31 innocent children in a way that is prohibited in the case of grown-ups, without censure and without reprimand?

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Was this gentleman under the impression that he was carrying out the Socialist policy of fair shares for all?

Mr. Sydney Silverman

Will my right hon. Friend, without seeking to intervene in matters that are properly the concern of the local educational authority, see whether the facts do not disclose a case for inquiry as to whether this gentleman is fit to have anything to do with school children?