13. Lieut.-Colonel Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that considerable public disquiet has been aroused by the outbursts of burglaries and hold-ups in London; and what steps he is taking to bring the situation under control.
§ Mr. EdeThe figures for these classes of offences certainly show an appreciable increase, which is due to a variety of causes, although I cannot agree that it is of such a nature as to suggest that the situation is out of control. Within the limits of the resources at present available to the police the Commissioner is organising appropriate counter-measures. Arrangements have been made to secure the early return of regular policemen from the Armed Forces and to accelerate recruitment.
Lieut.-Colonel HutchisonIs the Minister aware that one of the most recent victims was myself, and that public anxiety is now acute?
§ Mr. EdeI was burgled seven times in 13 years. Therefore the hon. and gallant Member may be assured that in his start 570 to overtake that record he has my complete sympathy.
§ Mr. McGovernIs the Home Secretary aware that a considerable number of these offences are committed by men who are deserters from the Army and have no means? Cannot the Government consider some system of inducing these men to give themselves up under a policy of an amnesty, so that this position might be ended?
§ Mr. EdeI have reason to think that the first part of the hon. Member's question is based on fact. The second part of it does not rest with my Department.