§ 22. Sir J. Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the petition relating to an increase 185 in acts of violence in Glasgow, signed by 40,000 citizens of Glasgow and neighbourhood, and demanding stronger official action, which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Scotstoun; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaclayThe petitioners ask for more severe sentences for all crimes, and for corporal punishment in cases of assault with violence and of cruelty. While all crimes involving violence and cruelty are deplorable, and their increase during the past two years is most regrettable, I should point out that in Scotland crimes of violence are still less frequent than they were before the war. Sentences are a matter for the courts, and I am satisfied that they have adequate powers to deal with these offences. I should also add that Scottish courts have had no power for almost a century to impose corporal punishment for crimes of violence.
§ Sir J. HutchisonDoes my right hon. Friend realise the depth of feeling which was represented in one city by what are now 41,000 signatures, protesting against the situation? He has already noted the question of corporal punishment. May I ask him whether the police in Glasgow are recruited up to strength and how his proposals, if any, for Scotland link up with those already submitted for England and Wales in a White Paper?
§ Mr. MaclayAs to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, the police in Glasgow are at present just about 10 per cent. below strength, which is an improvement on the position a year ago. In Scotland we are, of course, studying with the same intensity as is being done in England and Wales, this whole question of prevention of crime, treatment of criminals and methods of avoiding the horrible situation which we have reached in post-war years.