HC Deb 02 December 1948 vol 458 cc2162-3
32. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to deal with the present crime wave; and if he will consider calling a conference of religious and political leaders to advise on further steps.

35. Mr. Wilson Harris

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking in conjunction with the Minister of Education and representatives of the churches to organise a national campaign against crime.

Mr. Ede

Following the Debate on this matter in another place which was, initiated by the Archbishop of York I have had a preliminary and informal talk with his Grace and I am considering in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education and others, what practicable means there are of arousing the public conscience in this matter.

Sir W. Smithers

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask his Grace the Archbishop, if he has time, to be Chairman of the Committee or whatever body he sets up?

Mr. Ede

No, Sir. I think it would be wrong at this stage to indicate what formal organisation, if any, will be set up to deal with this matter. I am sure that on all sides of the House there will be a feeling that the public conscience ought to be seriously aroused at the figures that now exist.

Mr. Wilson Harris

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that something effective can be achieved along these lines to deal with this unhappy situation?

Mr. Ede

I should not like to prophesy at this stage, but I hope that all men of good will, whether they are in the churches or not, will take steps to bring home to their fellow citizens the effect of a permanent lowering of moral standards in this country.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman is in touch with the leaders of all the various denominations at the same time?

Mr. Ede

This Debate only took place early this week or one day last week. I had a preliminary conversation with the Archbishop of York who had raised the matter. As a result of that discussion, I shall be making contact with the leaders of other religious denominations and other people as well.

Mr. Peter Freeman

Will my right hon. Friend consider giving powers to the Minister of Education to provide special cinemas for children so as to prevent children going to the ordinary cinemas, which have such a devastating effect on young people?

Mr. Ede

At this stage I could not give an answer to a detailed question of that kind.