HC Deb 11 December 1952 vol 509 c660
35. Mr. Irvine

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in connection with the problem of juvenile delinquency, he will circularise watch committees with a view to extending to other areas the experiment being carried out in Liverpool, of having a policeman in plain clothes acting in each division as a juvenile liaison officer.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I have lately caused inquiries to be made into the working of the scheme, which is receiving very careful consideration: but I am not in a position to make any further pronouncement at present.

Mr. Irvine

Is the Home Secretary aware that under this experiment liaison officers get in touch with young children and their parents and teachers before any prosecution, when children are heading for trouble, and that although the system has its difficulties and possible dangers, there are great advantages attaching to it?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I entirely agree with the hon. Member, and I was glad to notice that an admirable series of articles in "The Times" drew attention to this among other matters.