§ 14. Sir C. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many cases of murder were known to the police in 1961; and what were the corresponding figures for the two previous years.
§ Mr. Fletcher-CookeThe number of murders known to the police in England and Wales in 1961 was 152. The corresponding figures for 1960 and 1959 were respectively 153 and 149.
§ Sir C. OsborneIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that there is grave concern outside the House about the number of murders and the nature of the murders committed recently, and is he satisfied that his present policy of dealing with this type of crime is producing the best possible results?
§ Mr. Fletcher-CookeIn fact, the number of murders is remarkably stable from one year to another. I am not quite sure what my hon. Friend has in mind when he says that the policy is not working.
§ Sir C. OsborneIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that I made no such statement? I merely asked him whether he was satisfied that the present policy—I am not criticising it—is producing the best results.
§ Mr. Fletcher-CookeOne can never be satisfied so long as there are any murders at all.