§ Mr. ARTHUR HENDERSONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether there has been any increase recently in the number of cases of criminal assaults on children in Ireland; and whether he will state for a period of the last six months the number of such cases reported to the authorities, the number of prosecutions, the number of convictions, and the maximum and minimum amount of punishment?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe police authorities inform me that there has been a decrease in this class of offence in Ireland recently. During the six months ended 31st July thirty-eight cases of criminal assaults on children were reported. Thirty-three persons were proceeded against, of whom twenty-four were convicted, five were acquitted or discharged, and four are awaiting trial. The sentences in these convictions ranged from one month's imprisonment to three years penal servitude. One youth was sent to a Borstal Institution, and there was also a case in which three boys were released on their parents' bail for their good behaviour and for their appearance for judgment if called on.