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Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Walmsley (Liberal Democrat). It was answered by Baroness Morgan of Drefelin (Labour) on Thursday, 16 October 2008.


Children: Physical Punishment

Question
What is their response to the recent memorandum by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights which stated that ““laws allowing the definition of ‘justifiable assaults’ and ‘reasonable punishments’ on children are not compliant with international human rights standards””.
Answer

My Lords, the Government believe that the laws on physical punishment in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are compliant with international human rights standards. Their formal response to the memorandum was published on 9 October 2008. UK government Ministers do not accept that legislation to remove the reasonable punishment defence or the justifiable assault defence in Scotland is necessary or appropriate. Across the UK, considerable importance is already attached to awareness raising and promoting positive parenting.


Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
704 c822 
Session
2007-08
Oral question type
Lead
Procedure
Topical questions (HL)
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Children Corporal punishment Human rights
Link
View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk