§ 51. Mr. Haleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which of Her Majesty's Colonial Territories courts are still empowered to pass sentences of corporal punishment on men, women and juveniles, respectively; if he will state, in each case, the nature of the offences in respect of which such punishment can be imposed and the maximum number of strokes which can be inflicted; and in which cases such power is derived from local or delegated powers and not under the direct authority of legislation passed by the Parliament of Westminster.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAs the full reply is too long and detailed to be given orally or to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT, I am arranging for copies to be placed in the Library of the House and will send a copy to the hon. Member. In all territories, the powers of the courts to pass sentences of corporal punishment are derived from local legislation and native law and custom. In no territory is any court empowered by legislation to pass such sentences on women or girls. So far as I am aware, there is no such power under native law and custom, and if it exists, I am confident that the power is not exercised.
§ Mr. HaleDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that abolishing this old fashioned and rather villainous process would be a very small reform? Would it not be a very welcome gesture of conciliation if we abolished this purely humiliating punishment from our criminal system here and in the Colonies?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydSome regard should be paid to the views of local governors on these matters.