HC Deb 26 July 1951 vol 491 c76W
36. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will issue instructions that corporal punishment shall not be employed in dealing with homo-sexuality and other sexual aberrations in remand homes and approved schools in view of the likelihood that such punishment increases and does not diminish the cause or incidence of this behaviour.

Mr. Ede

I consider it right that, subject to the requirements and safeguards of the Approved School and Remand Home Rules, the heads of approved schools and remand homes should have discretion to decide whether corporal punishment is appropriate in the individual circumstances. Psychiatric observation or treatment can be provided where necessary. and methods of dealing with sexual aberrations are discussed from time to time by inspectors with the staff of the schools and homes.