§ 17. Miss Fookesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to increase severely the penalties for persons hampering the activities of the police, fire services and other services by malicious or hoax phone calls.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsI keep these matters under continuing review, but the powers of the courts are already sufficient. The circumstances of each case will determine what offence may have been committed; but where, for example, there is a threat to destroy or damage property, it will be punishable on conviction on indictment under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 with up to 10 years' imprisonment.
§ Miss FookesIf the right hon. Gentleman is satisfied with the penalties, is he equally satisfied with the proportion of hoaxers who are caught and punished?
§ Mr. JenkinsI am never satisfied with the proportion of people who commit any offence and who are caught. We endeavour to improve the situation the whole time. Where such people are 1802 brought before the courts, it is a matter for the courts to decide the penalty. This cuts both ways, as the hon. Lady will know, having listened to earlier exchanges. I am satisfied that the maximum penalties are heavy enough, and if the courts choose to exercise them they can do so.
§ Mr. Greville JannerIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that there are no better ways than those which are at present used to catch people who tie up industry with hoax bomb scares and do vast damage to our economy?
§ Mr. JenkinsIf I knew of any better ways, I would advise the police on how to use them. I am sure that the police are doing what they can to deal with the problem—a problem which should not be thought of as funny because of the word "hoax". It can be grave and damaging for the people of this country.