§ Mr. Levyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement regarding the birching of a nine-year-old child, whose name has been given to him, for stealing sweets, matches and cigarettes; and whether the mother was informed of her right of appeal against the sentence or given the option to pay the fine.
§ Mr. EdeI am informed that the boy referred to was found guilty on two charges, each of breaking and entering and stealing. The Justices, after obtaining information as to his character and associations, ordered him to receive four strokes with the, birch rod for one offence and dismissed the other charge under the Probation of Offenders Act. No fine was imposed. A court is under no obligation, nor it is the general practice to call attention to the right of appeal, but I have134W pointed out to the Justices that it is expedient where birching is ordered that attention should be drawn to this right before steps are taken to carry out the punishment.