§ MR. R. POWERasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If his attention has been called to the charge recently delivered by the Chairman of the Durham Quarter Sessions, in which he stated that—
He lamented the terrible increase of crime in the Country. Crimes of assault upon women and children show a proportionate increase;and, if he intends to take any steps for the better protection of Her Majesty's subjects in the county of Durham?
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONasked, whether the Chairman of the Durham Quarter Sessions did not, on the occasion referred to, add that he attributed
The increase of crimes of violence and assault upon women and children to the better condition of trade, and believed they were suffering from prosperity;376 and whether the Home Secretary was able to explain what description of trade it was to which the Chairman referred?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT, in reply, said, that, in answer to these cross Questions, he was sorry to say he had only to confess that he had not seen the charge of the Chairman of the Durham Quarter Sessions. Notice of the Question was only given yesterday. No information had reached him, official or otherwise, which led him to think that any exceptional measure was necessary to be taken for the protection of the county in question.
§ MR. MACFARLANEasked, when the Returns of Assaults on Women and Children, for which he moved last Session, would be laid on the Table?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTsaid, he would inquire.