§ Mr. WESTWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many juvenile courts have been set up in Scotland under the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act, 1932; and, if any, where the said courts have been set up?
§ Sir G. COLLINSOrders have been made applying Section 1 of the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act, 1932, to the counties of Renfrew and Fife. Under these Orders Juvenile Courts are 1583W held at Paisley, Greenock and Giffnock in Renfrewshire, and at Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, St. Andrews and Cupar in Fife.
§ Mr. McGOVERNasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the sentence passed on six boys at Fraserburgh, during October, where they were each sentenced to receive a flogging on New Year's eve; if he can state the offence committed and the names and ages of each boy; and if he will make full inquiry into the case with a view to remitting these sentences of flogging?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Five of the boys, whose ages ranged from 15 years and 10 months to 12 years and 8 months, pled guilty to charges of malicious mischief. The sixth boy, aged 9 years and 10 months, pled guilty to three charges of theft. The cases came before the Fraserburgh Police Court and I understand that the intention of the magistrate was to impose no penalty if the boys behaved themselves until the 31st instant. After careful consideration of all the circumstances I have determined to remit the sentences.