asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Patrick McBeth, of Johnstone, Renfrewshire, aged seven, on his first appearance in court was sentenced to be detained in a reformatory for nine years; and if it is his intention to review the sentence?

In the case referred to the boy, aged seven years 10 months, was committed to an industrial school until he should reach the age of 16 years. My right hon. Friend is making inquiry into the matter, but he is not yet in a. position to make a statement.

Is this ferocious sentence due to the child living with unsuitable parents, or to the nature of a crime by this hardened criminal, an infant 7½ years old?