§ Mr. Wilkesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that from time to time juvenile courts impose fines of several pounds, in certain cases, on children and, in view of the fact that heavy fines on children below 310W the age of 10 years cause only hardship to the parents and cannot act as a deterrent to the children, if he will issue a circular discouraging the imposition of such heavy fines by children's courts.
§ Mr. EdeIn the case of a child under 14 the amount of the fine must not exceed 40s. and it may be imposed on the parent unless the court is satisfied that he has not conduced to the commission of the offence by neglecting to exercise due care of the child. It is for the juvenile Courts to decide whether, having regard to all the circumstances, a fine is the best way of dealing with a particular offence, and on the information before me I do not think they need further guidance in the exercise of their discretion.