HC Deb 31 October 1955 vol 545 c86W
Mr. G. Jeger

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty for what offences boys are caned in the Royal Navy; and on how many occasions this punishment has been inflicted during the past year.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

Boys and apprentices under the age of 18 may be caned for the following serious offences: theft, immorality, drunkenness, insubordination or gross and continued disobedience of orders. They may also be caned for desertion if the commanding officer is satisfied that the offence does not call for more serious punishment. Caning can be ordered only by the captain or by the officer acting for him when he is necessarily absent from duty for more than a day. In 1954, the last full year for which figures are available, caning was ordered on 378 occasions.