Corpun file 20571

Hansard (House of Commons), 9 May 1902

Questions and Answers Circulated with the Votes.

Birching in the Army.

MR. LLOYD MORGAN (Carmarthenshire, W.)

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that Joseph Kibby, of the Grenadier Guards, was in or about the month of March flogged; and whether he will state the offence this man had committed, and also the offences for which punishment by birching is allowable in the Army.

(Answer.) The boy was birched by order of the commanding officer. The offence was disobedience of a regimental order, which forbade boys smoking, and absence without leave; for the latter offence he was liable to trial by general court-martial. Birching is not allowed in the Army, except in Army Schools under restrictions. The Commander in Chief disapproved of the commanding officer's action, and has taken the necessary disciplinary action.

(War Office.)

HC Deb 09 May 1902 vol 107 c1231