HC Deb 25 February 1932 vol 262 cc539-40
29. Mr. STOURTON

asked the Home Secretary, in the 479 cases of theft of baggage and other articles from cars reported in the centre of London for the period 1st November, 1931, to 17th February, 1932, how many convictions were secured against the 46 persons arrested?

Sir H. SAMUEL

Of the 46 persons arrested, 23 were convicted, 16 bound over and two committed for trial; two were discharged and three stand remanded.

Mr. STOURTON

Does not my right hon. Friend consider these figures to be very disquieting, and that they indicate that more police should be taken away from traffic duty, as so many of these cases have gone undetected?

Sir H. SAMUEL

I think the figures are not such as we can view with any satisfaction at all, and the Commissioner of Police has the matter in hand with a view to a re-allocation of the duties of the force under his command.

Viscountess ASTOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that assaults against children are going up, and that it is absolutely vital, therefore, to increase the number of women police?

Sir H. SAMUEL

That is a different question.