HC Deb 26 May 1965 vol 713 cc581-2
5. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the growing number of unsolved crimes, he will initiate a publicity campaign throughout Scotland with a view to enabling the police to obtain more effective cooperation from the general public.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. William Ross)

I am reviewing this matter urgently in consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary.

Mr. Dempsey

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his Answer will be of considerable interest to many people? Does he realise that the great problem today is that of winning the co-operation of the general public? Does he further realise that the activities of some smart Alec lawyers—who from time to time try to demonstrate their abilities in the courts, often resulting in the public having to suffer—make no sensible contribution towards assisting the police and gaining the co-operation of the public? Will my right hon. Friend try to tackle the problem of crime in Scotland?

Mr. Ross

I appreciate and share my hon. Friend's concern about the growing number of crimes, including unsolved crimes. The public suffer more from the criminal than from anyone else. When we are dealing with the co-operation of the public in respect of simple acts which could lead to the prevention of crime and the detection of criminals we are speaking about something which is of benefit to all concerned, particularly the public in general. I hope that we will have the support of my hon. Friend in anything that we are able to do in this sphere.

Mr. MacArthur

Will the Secretary of State give more thought to the concern of the police and the need for the protection of the public by further considering the objections which have been made by police forces in Scotland to the terms of the Private Member's Bill which was introduced by his hon. Friend the Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. Sydney Silverman)?

Mr. Ross

That is an entirely different matter. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that I discussed this with the Police Federation, in delegation and at its annual meeting. We are dealing here mainly with the question of house breaking and theft. There have been great increases in the number of these crimes and I suggest that if we can do something along the lines suggested by my hon. Friend the Member for Coatbridge and Airdrie (Mr. Dempsey) in respect of publicity as a means of obtaining cooperation we will be doing something worth while.

Mr. Hiley

Would the Secretary of State take into account, even before the Murder (Abolition of Capital Punishment) Bill reaches the Statute Book, that the present Home Secretary is already granting reprieves indiscriminately and that the public should be immediately warned of the added dangers?