HC Deb 26 January 1966 vol 723 cc215-6
45. Mr. Fisher

asked the Minister of Transport the cost of vandalism to British Railways during the past year.

Mr. Swingler

The Railways Board tells me that this information is not available, but a special survey carried out in 1963 showed that the cost of repairing losses due to vandalism was about £150,000. The Board estimated then that if consequential losses and the expense of preventive action were included, the total cost might be as high as £500,000 per year.

Mr. Fisher

As vandalism is unfortunately increasing and, in the case of the railways, is a real source of danger to public safety, does the hon. Gentleman agree that we should consider more severe penalties for this sort of wanton and absolutely pointless destruction simply as a deterrent to other cases in future?

Mr. Swingler

As the hon. Member may know, the penalties were increased substantially last year, from 1st September. We have also been in almost continuous touch with the Home Office and the Education Department about a series of measures to try to counteract this terrible wave of vandalism.

Mr. Rankin

Will my hon. Friend also consider other means? Is he aware that the provision of facilities for the travelling public is one way of getting rid of vandalism? If he cares to get into touch with the manager of Coventry City Football Club, he will discover that in transporting its football followers all over England, that club has eradicated vandalism by providing refreshments and all sorts of—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. I hope that the hon. Member will not wait but will get on with his question.

Mr. Rankin

—by providing refreshments, music and other attractions to those travelling in the trains. Does my hon. Friend realise that that system is working and is operating to the profit of the football fraternity?

Mr. Swingler

We are certainly prepared to consider ideas from any quarter and of any kind. The places where the vandalism is most rife, however, especially in the London suburbs, are the places which have the most efficient and regular services.