HC Deb 05 February 1937 vol 319 cc1936-7W
Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many juvenile first offenders were sentenced to be birched by Justice of Peace Courts in Scotland during 1936 without the option of a fine; whether such courts make a practice of advising the parents of the sentence before it is carried out; and whether an appeal was lodged against any of such sentences?

Mr. Elliot

The number of juvenile first offenders in whose case whipping orders were made by Justice of the Peace Courts in Scotland in 1936 was three. As regards the second part of the question, the Children Acts provide that where a child or young person is charged with any offence or is for any reason brought before a Court, his parent or guardian may in any case, and shall, if he can be found and resides within a reasonable distance, be required to attend at the Court during all stages of the proceedings, unless the Court is satisfied that it would be unreasonable to require his attendance. As regards the last part, no appeal against the conviction was taken in any of the three cases referred to.