HC Deb 09 March 1920 vol 126 c1103
55. Mr. DOYLE

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the remarkable increase in the crime of pocket-picking; if he will give the number of complaints made to the police, with the number of arrests and convictions during the last six months; and if he has reason to believe that schools exist for the training of youthful criminals?

Mr. SHORTT

I have no reason to think that there has been a remarkable increase in these offences. No complete figures are available, but the returns made indicate that the number of such offences in the Metropolitan District during January and February was smaller than for the corresponding months in 1914. The police have no reason to believe that schools for the training of young criminals exist, although it is well known that youthful offenders are often led astray by their more experienced elders.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is it not a fact that these pickpockets belong to what is known as the intellectual class?

Sir M. DOCKRELL

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that cinema shows provide all the educational facilities necessary?

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman put the curfew law in operation in England?