§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the flogging of boys who are convalescent in the Camberwell workhouse infirmary; if so, whether he is aware that the punishment is administered with a whip on the bare flesh for trivial offences, and that in four recent cases the ages of the boys were thirteen, eleven, nine, and seven years, respectively; and whether, having regard to the indignation of the public locally respecting these practices and the discussions at the meeting of the Camberwell guardians, he will cause a public inquiry to be made into the matter?
§ Mr. BURNSMy attention has been called to this matter. The punishment does not seem to have been excessive and I see no necessity for a public inquiry.