HC Deb 10 February 1949 vol 461 cc525-6
42. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now state what steps he is taking to organise a national campaign to stem the wave of crime in accordance with the appeal of the Archbishop of York.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)

The Minister of Education and I propose to invite representatives of the churches, of local authorities and of other interests concerned, to a conference at the beginning of March to discuss the problem of juvenile delinquency.

Sir W. Smithers

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that that answer will give great satisfaction, and will he give all the support he can to the lead given by His Grace?

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

Will my right hon. Friend also bear in mind the wise words of Mr. Basil Henriques and other London magistrates on keeping a sense of perspective about this increase in juvenile delinquency?

Mr. Ede

I hope that one of the results of this conference will be to enable the public to see the matter in its true perspective. The conference will not be confined to juvenile delinquency, but will have the general background of moral standards under consideration.

Mr. Gallacher

Will the Minister draw the attention of this conference to the obvious fact that, if they can get these young people interested in Communism they will keep them away from crime?