§ Q3. Mr. Brockwayasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the recent teen-age hooliganism at seaside resorts, he will arrange for the preparation by the Ministers concerned of a co-ordinated policy to take account of the social problems involved, particularly the necessity to provide alternative forms of sentence for offenders, and the need for youth centres and healthy outlets for the physical energy and adventurous spirit of youth, and the inclusion of sites for these purposes in housing estates and congested areas.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government are fully alert to these problems and to the need for co-ordinated action.
§ Mr. BrockwayWill not the right hon. Gentleman seriously consider whether we have not failed to adjust ourselves to the social phenomenon that a large section of the youth have expanded spending power without expanding power of life? May I ask two things? First, whether he considers that there is not an alternative method of correction for young offenders than fines, imprisonments, detentions, which often increase their anti-social attitude? Secondly, would it not be desirable for us to show that we are with the younger generation by a dynamic pattern of 1476 public provision of recreation, competitive games and encouragement to join national and international spheres of social service?
§ The Prime MinisterThere are a whole series of problems here which, of course, are very much in our minds and which deserve investigation. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has an Advisory Committee on Juvenile Delinquency. Research is being conducted by the National Foundation for Educational Research to investigate the factors in organisation and life at school which could affect the behaviour, education and attainments of school children. We are trying our best to see this problem and to see how it could be remedied. I hope the hon. Member will not concentrate on alternative sentences. I think probation and other problems of that kind should be looked at and improved.
§ Sir G. NicholsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are various forms of activity and sports which could make a great contribution in this direction but that they cannot get off the ground properly without some, not particularly substantial, contribution from the State? Is he aware that in most foreign countries these sort of activities are supported, in particular parachuting? I am thinking of the support Her Majesty's Government have given to the Olympic Games. Will my right hon. Friend pay attention to these sort of matters?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, certainly. Of course, a great deal more money is being spent now on the provision of buildings, swimming baths, gymnasia and the like, but the bill for local education authorities' facilities is running at £22 million a year, in addition to the expenditure of £20 million for the provision of youth centres. I could give my hon. Friend figures to show that we are doing a lot more, but I think that still more should be done.
§ Miss BaconMay I refer the Prime Minister to a publication issued today, Crime, a challenge to us all? Is he aware that this report, issued by a committee set up by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition, deals with all these problems and would help young 1477 people in the way which my hon. Friend the Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) asks?
§ The Prime MinisterI have not had time to read that report yet. I was asked about Government action. As I said, we are giving very intensive attention to this matter. As the hon. Lady knows, Lord Amory is taking charge of the Royal Commission, which we have asked to look at the problem of the under 21s first of all.