§ 1. Mr. Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will arrange for statistics covering homosexual offences to indicate the number of convictions involving young persons under the age of 21.
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Miss Alice Bacon)The Criminal Statistics for England and Wales already indicate the number of persons under 21 found guilty of homosexual offences. My right hon. Friend will consider whether they could also give information about the ages of the victims when he has the report of the Departmental Committee on Criminal Statistics, which is examining the possibility of recording the ages of the victims of offences generally.
§ Mr. ShepherdAs we are under very considerable pressure, based on the number of convictions, to allow more licence to homosexual activities, is it not essential to get figures which show the number of offences against young persons and the number of offences committed in public?
§ Miss BaconYes. As I said, we have the figures for the offences committed. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that there is a case for so changing the statistics that we also get the number of the victims and their ages.
§ Dr. David KerrWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that the term "victims" is not necessarily applicable to everybody below the age of 21 who takes part in homosexual activities?
§ Miss BaconI am sure that my right hon. and learned Friend will take all these matters into consideration when reviewing the statistics.