61. Mr. DOYLEasked the Home Secretary in view of the prevalence of crimes of violence and the many failures of the police to trace the culprits, and the alarm and misgiving of the public in consequence, if he will state what action he is taking to effectually reform the detective system; and whether, in view of the obvious possession of inside knowledge by certain culprits, indicating a serious defect in the confidential branch of the service, he will grant a searching inquiry with a view to giving the public that protection which they have a right to expect and for which they pay?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe possibility of securing closer co-operation in the detection of crime between the different police forces has engaged and is engaging my attention, but I cannot admit that the prevalence of crimes of violence or the proportion of cases in which no arrest has been made are such as to justify in any degree the sweeping statements made by the hon. Member. I do not know to what "obvious possession of inside knowledge" he alludes in the second part of the question, and I shall be glad if he will furnish me with particulars.
Mr. DOYLEIf I furnish the right hon. Gentleman with particulars, will he give the matter attention?
§ Mr. SHORTTOf course I will.