HC Deb 04 March 1912 vol 35 c27
Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman can state the number of automatic gas meters robbed in the Metropolitan Police area during the year 1911, and the number of prosecutions, distinguishing those of children under sixteen years of age?

Mr. McKENNA

I am informed that 13,261 such cases were reported to the police during 1911, and 406 arrests were made. Eighty-six of the persons arrested were under sixteen years of age. These robberies take place inside houses and tenements, where the police have no right of access, and in circumstances which render detection exceedingly difficult.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Can anything be done to stop that very serious loss?

Mr. McKENNA

Except the abolition of the system itself, I do not see what steps can be taken.