§ 33. Sir T. Mooreasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, for the avoidance of doubt, he will request his Advisory Council on the Treatment of Offenders to incorporate in an Appendix to its forthcoming report the views publicly expressed by the Lord Chief Justice on corporal punishment for crimes of violence.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerWhen I have referred a matter to my Advisory Council it is for it to decide on the content and nature of its report.
§ Sir T. MooreWill my right hon. Friend agree that it is very significant that the present Lord Chief Justice, the former Lord Chief Justice, Lord Goddard, Mr. Justice Hilbery and many other great lawyers of equal distinction all support the restoration of corporal punishment? Will he, therefore, draw this fact to the attention of the Advisory Council?
§ Mr. ButlerNo. I propose to adopt a proper constitutional attitude in this matter. When I have referred a Question to my Advisory Council, I do not propose to put my own views, nor do I think it right for other people who are not giving evidence to give their views. I suggest that those who want to give evidence to the Council should give evidence. I am glad to be able to assure my hon. Friend that the Lord Chief Justice has agreed to give evidence, which is the right thing to do. I am also glad to hear that there has been a very big response to the chairman's request. Many people are to give evidence. I understand that they are going to give evidence both ways.
§ Mr. H. HyndIn order to provide first-hand experience to hon. Members interested in this subject, will the Home Secretary arrange for the hon. Member for Ayr (Sir T. Moore) to be flogged?