§ 19. Mr. CADOGANasked the Home Secretary whether cases of housebreaking have much increased during the last six months in the Metropolitan area; and whether he has instituted any inquiry as to the sufficiency of police?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAs compared with the corresponding period of last year there has been no increase, but a considerable decrease, in the number of cases of burglary, housebreaking and shop breaking reported to the police. I have had the question of the strength of the police under my constant consideration and an increase has been made in the course of the last few months.
§ Mr. CADOGANHas the right hon. Gentleman not received an increasing number of complaints from suburban areas as to the increase of housebreaking?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have received a number of complaints, but I find that the figures in my possession are not consistent with the complaints, and, as I have said, there has really been a decrease.