37. Mr. G RATTAN DOYLEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the increasing number of unsolved murders and burglaries during the last few months and the failure of the police to effectually cope with the epidemic of crime, will he state what steps he proposes to take to reform the system and thereby afford the public more adequate protection?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)There has certainly been an increase 697 during the last few months in the number of crimes of violence and the more serious offences against property, such as burglary and housebreaking. Returns received from the Police, however, show that the total number of indictable offences in the months November, December and January, are somewhat below the average number for three months in the years 1912 and 1913. The Police are taking special steps to cope with the situation and I hope shortly to introduce a Bill for ensuring the more effective control over the possession and carrying of firearms.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask, would it not help the situation if some of the detectives who are used for spying on trade unions were put on detective work to protect the public. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh, oh!"]