23 MAY 1992, Page 28

Open-handed treatment

Sir: My attention has been drawn to an item in Portrait of the Week (9 May). It is stated that 'Recommendations published by the Scottish Law Commission will out- law the smacking of children north of the border, if accepted by the Government.'

This is inaccurate. In fact, the recommen- dation on this subject by the Commission would not outlaw the smacking of children with the open hand provided that there was no risk of injury or prolonged pain. An ordinary smack, of the type administered occasionally by many thousands of caring parents, would not be affected by our rec- ommendations.

Dr E. M. Clive

Scottish Law Commission, 140 Causewayside, Edinburgh