32. Viscountess ASTORasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the figures in the criminal statistics recently issued by his Department showing the increase in the number of sexual offences against young persons during recent years, he will consider the introduction of legislation to 1329 give effect to the recommendations contained in the Report of the Departmental Committee of inquiry into offences against young persons by amendments to the Criminal Law Amendment Acts and the Children Act?
§ Mr. SHORTAs my right hon. Friend said in reply to the hon. Member on 15th May, the recommendations will be borne in mind when time can be found for the Children Bill, but he cannot promise that it will be possible to give effect to all the recommendations.
Viscountess ASTORConsidering that this Committee was set up in 1924 to look into things, that two Governments have dealt with the matter, and that it is an agreed Measure, could he not get an agreed Measure through the House? Seeing that these cases against children are increasing, does the hon. Member not think that it is his duty to bring forward some legislation?
§ Mr. SHORTMy right hon. Friend has the matter under consideration, but, having regard to the pressure of business, it is most difficult to get this question on to the Floor of the House of Commons.
Viscountess ASTORDoes not the hon. Member think that if he brought in a one-Clause Bill he could get the whole House to pass it willingly in one afternoon?