§ 16. Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to enlist the co-operation of the public in an effort to halt the desecration of property by vandals using spray guns; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BuchanI welcome my hon. Friend's suggestion. Because one of the main difficulties lies in detecting the perpetrators public co-operation has a valuable part to play in dealing with this and other forms of vandalism and hooliganism. It is, however, best developed by local effort in the areas where the need arises.
§ Mr. DempseyIn view of the diabolical desecration of property, both private and public, from owner-occupied houses to churches, does not my hon. Friend believe that it would be better to outline precise plans to local authorities to invite the co-operation of the public, the police and the courts to stamp out this wilful type of desecration?
§ Mr. BuchanI am not sure that "diabolical" is the correct word. Sometimes it is the reverse, and there are strong religious connotations. But it is correct to say that we are trying to encourage public co-operation as much as possible.