HL Deb 20 December 1962 vol 245 cc1238-9

2.39 p.m.

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lord Listowel I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in his name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have now ascertained in what Colonies corporal punishment is a penalty for prison offences other than violence, and whether the prison regulations in such Colonies will be brought into line with the new practice in Aden.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE, COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS OFFICE (THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE)

My Lords, yes. In nine dependent territories corporal punishment is awarded for offences other than violence. Of these, six are at present considering whether amending legislation should be enacted to bring them into line with the new practice in Aden. In other cases where the Secretary of State still retains the necessary constitutional powers he will ask the Governors concerned to seek alteration of the rules and regulations as may be required.

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, would the noble Duke, in reply to a supplementary question, give the names of the Colonies in which corporal punishment is administered for offences other than violence?

THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE

Nine territories: Bahamas, Barbados, Bechuanaland, Fiji, Nyasaland, the Virgin Islands, Kenya, Gambia and Swaziland.

LORD OGMORE

My Lords, could the noble Duke tell us what the offences are for which corporal punishment is administered in cases other than violence?

THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE

It is a very considerable list. It includes a wide variety of subjects such as gross insubordination, escaping or attempting to escape from lawful custody, chronic laziness and repeatedly refusing to obey lawful orders. It is a wide range.

LORD SHEPHERD

Can the noble Duke say whether it is a fact that in these territories corporal punishment can be awarded by the prison governor, without perhaps magistrates being called in to award the punishment?

THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE

My Lords, I must be frank. I am not sure of the detailed procedure under which it can be enacted, but I will gladly write to the noble Lord about these detailed points.