HC Deb 11 February 1954 vol 523 cc1366-7

The following Questions stood upon the Order Paper:

91. Mr. Grey

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons in the administrative county of Durham appeared before magistrates during the year ended 31st December, 1953, on a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm upon their wives in consequence of beating them.

92. Mr. Grey

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the probation officer's report regarding John James Cowan, a former Durham miner, stated that he came from a district of Durham where it was a common thing for men to beat their wives and that it was gene rally expected and understood; and whether he will instruct probation officers not to make such general charges in future.

Mr. Grey

I do not know, Mr. Speaker, whether you are aware that at the Old Bailey last week a very serious statement was made regarding the male population of Durham. During the trial of Mr. John James Cowan, a former Durham miner, it was stated that he came from a district of Durham where it was a common thing for men to beat their wives and that it was generally expected and understood. Of course, this male population includes Members of Parliament from Durham, who, I have no doubt, would never beat their wives, even if they were allowed to do so, but in view of this serious statement I placed on the Order Paper two Questions, which have not been reached.

In order that we males may defend our principles and in order that we may make people all over the country realise that Durham is as good a market place for the female population as other parts of the country, will you kindly allow the Home Secretary to answer Questions 91 and 92?

Mr. Speaker

I have received no notice of this. The Home Secretary will answer them, of course, in writing.