§ 35. Mr. Lagdenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that the existing penalties for offences of cruelty to children are sufficient; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe law in England and Wales on cruelty to children is one of the subjects that is being considered by the Committee, under Lord Ingleby's chairmanship, appointed by my predecessor. I should prefer not to make any comment in the meantime on the existing penalties.
§ Mr. LagdenWill not the Secretary of State agree that public opinion is seriously concerned about this matter, especially as it would seem that the penalties already existing are not sufficiently invoked in all cases?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, I am aware of that, but I think I had better not make any comment until we get this authoritative Committee's report.