§ Mr. BRIANTasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the statement of the Commissioner of Assize at Chelmsford, in sentencing a man to six months' hard labour for indecently assaulting a girl of nine years, that in his opinion the law does not provide adequate punishment in such cases; and, in view of the inadequacy of the punishment in this and similar cases, will he introduce a Bill to increase the limit of imprisonment?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIndecent assault on any female is punishable with imprisonment up to two years with hard labour. I see no reason for increasing this. If the assault amounts to a felony a term of penal servitude may be imposed.