Lord HENRY BENTINCKasked the Home Secretary if he will state for what reason Section 111 (5) of The Children Act, 1908, has not been put into operation in London; and whether it is his intention to establish separate juvenile courts and to appoint special children's magistrates in the Metropolis?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is not the case that the sub-section referred to has not 2583W been put into operation in London. By an Order in Council of 2nd December, 1909, it was provided that juvenile courts should be established at six of the Metropolitan police courts, and that these juvenile courts should not be held in the court room in which the ordinary sittings of the police court are held, but in some other room suitable for the purpose. There is nothing in the Children Act requiring the appointment of special children's magistrates in the metropolis; and I do not think it is necessary to interfere with the existing arrangements, which appear to be working satisfactorily.