51. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many young people between the ages of 14 and 16 years were convicted in Scotland in the year 1966; and what were the comparable figures for the years 1965, 1961 and 1956, respectively.
§ Mr. RossIn 1966 charges were proved against 16,336 persons between the ages of 14 and 16. The figures for 1965, 1961 and 1956 were 15,544, 12,146 and 8,314.
Mr. TaylorThis shows that the numbers have doubled in a period of 10 years. Does the Secretary of State not think that it was shocking to cut down so substantially on community and recreational projects over the last two years? What plans has he to deal with this situation?
§ Mr. RossThe hon. Gentleman goes a bit far there. There has been no such cut down, as he probably knows. This is a very serious problem. The curve has been rising steeply over the past 10 years, though I am glad to say not so steeply over the past five. However, it is a very serious problem for the whole community, and that is why we place considerable importance on the Kilbrandon Report and the working out of different schemes for dealing with young people between 14 and 16. Society has a serious responsibility here, and we must face up to it.