§ 23. Mr. Sorensenasked the Home Secretary whether a full report on the causes and incidence of juvenile delinquency will be available in the near future; and to what extent juvenile de- 1663 linquency continues to show an increase over the pre-war position?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonCompared with the total juvenile population the number of offenders is small, but as has been already stated there was a substantial rise in that number during the first two years of the war. Figures for the subsequent period from September, 1941, are not yet available. The increase is due mainly if not entirely to war conditions. Whether any further steps can profitably be taken at the present time for ascertaining with greater particularity the causes of the increase is a matter receiving attention, but I think the most important thing is to develop as vigorously as possible remedial measures, and this, as my hon. Friend knows, is the policy which the Home Office and Board of Education have been pursuing in consultation with the local education authorities and the voluntary organisations.
§ Mr. SorensenWill a full report on this aspect of war-time conditions be published in the near future?
§ Mr. MorrisonI cannot be sure. We are doing our best to investigate these cases and will do all we can, but my hon. Friend will realise that having regard to war conditions there are many other things that are a strain on Government Departments just now.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsCan my right hon. Friend assure me that there are no juvenile delinquents in Leyton?
§ Mr. MorrisonNo, Sir.