§ 19. Mr. HACKINGasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the window slashing which has recently taken place in Sloane Street; whether he will consider the advisability of offering a substantial reward to anyone giving such evidence as will lead to a conviction; and, if so, whether he will give wide publicity to such an offer?
§ Mr. SHORTMy right hon. Friend has seen newspaper accounts and has received a report. He could not consider the offer of a reward. There are serious objections to the offer of such rewards, and in any event there are no funds for such a purpose.
§ Mr. HACKINGIs it not the case that there has been a great deal of window slashing in London and that the culprits have not been discovered; and can the hon. Gentleman assure me, without going into any details, that he has this matter under constant observation and that he has hopes of finding a means of catching these people?
§ Mr. SHORTI can assure the right hon. Gentleman that every effort is made to ensure the capture of these people and to prevent this practice as far as possible.
§ Mr. HACKINGIs the hon. Gentleman aware that windows were slashed all down one side of Sloane Street on Sunday night and that considerable damage was done?