§ Mr. FREEMANasked the Home Secretary whether he will consider introducing legislation abolishing the use of the birch as a form of punishment by magistrates on very young children?
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§ Mr. CLYNESThe subject of whipping is, as my hon. Friend is aware, a controversial one, but I think some measure of agreement might be reached as to the undesirability of boys of seven or eight being birched by order of a Court. I cannot in present circumstances make any promise of special legislation, but my hon. Friend may find an opportunity of raising the question when the promised Bill to amend the Children Act can be introduced.