§ 41. Mr. Molloyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will bring forward proposals to enable the police to deal more effectively with criminal activities by children under the age of criminal responsibility.
§ Mr. John:It is conclusively presumed in law that no child under the age of 10 years can be guilty of any offence; but if the misbehaviour of such children suggests that they are in need of care and control they may be brought by the police or the local authority before the juvenile court in care proceedings. We have no plans to extend police powers in respect of such children.