HC Deb 22 July 1971 vol 821 cc1649-50
3. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will issue a circular to all police forces advising them to make regular arrangements to explain their work in schools and youth clubs.

Mr. Sharples

Chief officers of police are aware of the need for close links with schools and youth clubs, and special schemes intended to promote a good relationship between children and the police are in operation in many police areas.

Mr. Janner

Would the hon. Gentleman not agree that if the present rate of crime is to be reduced, it is absolutely essential that young people should understand that the police are their friends and that the police should understand the problems of young people? Will the hon. Gentleman also not agree that the sort of schemes which he has indicated should be brought into operation everywhere in the country and not just in some places? Will he not, therefore, give appropriate instructions to all police forces to cooperate with schools and youth clubs to that effect?

Mr. Sharples

Yes, I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman. In fact, in 1969 the Home Office sent out a circular to chief constables urging them to appoint school liaison officers. I know that in the area of the hon. Gentleman's constituency this has been done.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

Can the Minister of State tell the House what is the number of juvenile bureaux at present in operation and how this number compares with 12 months ago? Will he accept that this development is a necessary complement to the operation of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1969?

Mr. Sharples

I have not the figure in front of me, but I will let the hon. Member know.