§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware 384W of the protests that have been made by women's and other organisations in Greenock, and elsewhere in Scotland, against the use of the birch on juveniles with judicial sanction; and whether he has any statement to make regarding the abolition of such judicial sanction?
§ Mr. ElliotThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, the hon. Member will be aware that a reply was given by the Home Secretary on 18th March, in which he announced that it has been decided to appoint a Departmental Committee to consider the whole question. My right hon. Friend is at present in communication with the Home Secretary on the general questions concerned.