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Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness David (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 13 February 2006.


Children: Reasonable Chastisement

Question
My Lords, why are the Government so obstinate in this matter? The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, the European Committee of Social Rights, all the experts on children and, indeed, all the children's associations are against smacking children. Who are the Government trying to please?
Answer

My Lords, we are trying to please Parliament, if that is any consolation to my noble friend. The House voted by an overwhelming margin in favour of the legislation as it stands. I stress that the other place voted by an even larger margin—424 votes to 75 votes—in favour of that position. So we are in accord with the will of Parliament in the matter.


Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
678 c992 
Session
2005-06
Oral question type
Supplementary
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Children Corporal punishment