§ 13. Mr. N. Pannellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will use his influence to accelerate the 652 production of the Report of the Cambridge Department of Criminal Science on crimes of violence.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe Department of Criminal Science is aware of the public interest in this problem, and of my own anxiety to have the Report on the study of crimes of violence in the Metropolis as soon as possible. The Department has been engaged on other studies of interest to the Home Office, which are reaching, or have just reached completion, and I understand that it will shortly be able to devote all its resources to the study of crimes of violence. I have no doubt that the work will be done with as much speed as is compatible with the care and thoroughness which it requires. In the meantime, I have received preliminary reports on some aspects of the study and I hope to receive others as the work proceeds.
§ Mr. PannellIn view of the disturbing increase in crimes of violence since this Department commenced its investigation, does not my right hon. Friend consider that, instead of relying on the leisurely deliberations of an unofficial body, his Department should introduce proposals of its own to meet the situation?
§ Mr. ButlerI am satisfied that, now the Cambridge Department can give its whole time to this matter, it will be able to give me its opinion in the not-too-distant future. I would, therefore, rather await its advice. It has already done three studies, which have been extremely valuable, and I would rather rely on its Report.
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodWill the Home Secretary bear in mind that his decision to resist the intemperate demands of his hon. Friend will have the support of hon. Members on both sides; and that, in the opinion of most of us, it is essential that this Report should be characterised by an academic assessment of the difficulties of the problem rather than by unnecessary demands for speed?