HC Deb 17 February 1949 vol 461 cc1325-6
21. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners were charged with criminal offences at the last meeting of the Hampshire Quarter Sessions, and of them how many were members of His Majesty's Forces; how many had previous convictions; and how many were under 21.

Mr. Ede

The figures are 64, 27, 48 and 35, respectively.

Mr. Hughes

Has the attention of my right hon. Friend been drawn to the remarks of the Deputy-Chairman of Quarter Sessions about the increase in crime being due to conditions of military service? Will he do something to prevent the Minister of Defence helping to increase crime in this way?

Mr. Ede

I have seen the remarks of the Deputy-Chairman of Quarter Sessions. I do not wholly agree with them.

Mr. J. Langford-Holt

Has the right hon. Gentleman also seen the remarks of Sir William Slim, which show how mischievous is his hon. Friend's question?