§ 36. Sir F. Medlicottasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many murders have taken place in this country during the last three months; and how this figure compares with the number of murders committed during the corresponding period of each of the five preceding years.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI regret that the figures for May, 1956, are not yet available. The number of murders recorded as known to the police during the months of February, March and April, 1956, was 42. The corresponding figures for preceding years were: 1951, 31; 1952, 48; I953, 52; 1954, 46; 1955, 56.
§ Sir F. MedlicottWhilst it is difficult to draw any final conclusion from these figures, do they not at least indicate that the fears of a sudden, and perhaps dramatic, increase in the number of murders have not been realised?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeAs I think my hon. Friend will remember, I did indicate during one or two of the debates which we have had on the Death Penalty (Abolition) Bill that even a period of ten 1269 years would scarcely be sufficient to come to a conclusion in these matters, and I am certain that three months would not be sufficient.