§ 34. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what offences and at what ages male children and young persons may become liable to six and twelve strokes, respectively, under the Amending Bill to the Children and Young Persons' Ordinance published in the Nyasaland Gazette of 31st March, 1959.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydHitherto in Nyasaland a juvenile might be caned only for an offence for which an adult could be caned. Most of such offences are of a kind which are seldom or never committed by juveniles. The Nyasaland Government now seeks powers to provide for caning, in cases where it is deemed desirable, for offences committed by children or young persons. A child is a person over 7 and under 12 years of age. A young person is over 12 and under 16. The change proposed would bring the law of Nyasaland into line with that in other territories.
§ Mr. BrockwayIs it not a fact that this amending Bill has been introduced during the course of the emergency but is to become part of the normal law of Nyasaland? Is the Secretary of State aware that many of us will be shocked that children of 7 should he liable to beating in this way by the order of courts administering British justice?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAs I have said, the proposed change would, if carried, bring the law of Nyasaland into conformity with that in most other African territories. Personally, I do not share the hon. Member's view about corporal punishment.