§ 14. Captain Pilkingtonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the trend of crime during 1958 and the extra measures being taken to combat it.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerProvisional figures for England and Wales for 1958 show a continued increase in crime. The total number of indictable offences known to the police was 626,509, an increase of 14.8 per cent compared with 1957. Offences of breaking and entering increased by 25 per cent to 131,132; of larceny by 13 per cent. to 409,388; of violence against the person by 11 per cent. to 12,137; and of robbery by 29 per cent. to 1,692. Sexual offences decreased by 5 per cent. to 17,691. Statistics of persons found guilty of indictable offences are not yet available for the whole of 1958, but the figures for the first three-quarters of the year show that the increase is greatest among young people aged from upwards of 14 to about 21. The White Paper on Penal Practice in a Changing Society indicated what has been and is being done to examine and develop the means of combating crime.
§ Captain PilkingtonHas the Home Office made any real analysis of the reasons for these distressing figures, which are a growing blot upon our civilization?
§ Mr. ButlerThere have been previous crime waves. One was in 1952, which eventually subsided, and we very much trust that this one will do so also. I have done my best to consult all the other bodies concerned—churches, voluntary societies, schools and everybody else—and we must do our best to get into our young people's minds the right ideas about proper behavior. It may be a hard job, and into that job may go deterrents and firmness of action.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the deep concern caused by the figures? Does he remember that when he was at the Ministry of Education he encouraged local authorities to make provision for a Youth Service? Does he not agree that this Service has been starved of opportunities for service, and will he look at this matter, especially to see whether there is any positive contribution that we can make?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir, and it is because of that that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour has appointed an inquiry into the Youth Service in order to be satisfied that the upwards of £3 million spent on it has been well spent. While not wishing to pledge my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, I am convinced that this is a matter of great importance to the Government and to the country.