HC Deb 10 February 1944 vol 396 cc1893-4
32. Miss Rathbone

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many girls and young women under 21 years of age first committed to prison since 1939 have subsequently received one, two, three or more prison sentences.

Mr. H. Morrison

In the criminal statistics for 1938 an analysis was published showing how many of the persons first convicted five years earlier had been subsequently convicted and giving separate figures for those who had been dealt with by sentences of imprisonment, by fines or by probation; but the preparation of such an analysis—which involves an elaborate examination of records—is laborious, and I regret that in view of the need for economising in clerical labour, it has not been practicable to make a similar analysis for the more recent period.

Mr. Rhys Davies

In view of the fact that other Government Departments issue reports in simple form will my right hon. Friend be good enough to bring these criminal statistics up to date in a modified form?

Mr. Morrison

In relation to the Question on the Paper, which I was answe- ing, the compilation of statistics really would involve a great amount of clerical work which, with the strain of the war effort, I am afraid it is quite impossible for me to contemplate at present.