HC Deb 24 January 1974 vol 867 cc1878-9
8. Mr. John Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the amount which he proposes to spend on research into the causes of crime both as a sum and as a percentage of his total departmental expenditure in 1974–75.

Mr. Carlisle

In the financial year 1974–75, subject to parliamentary approval of Estimates, the Home Office is expected to spend about £514,000 on research into crime, including its causes. This would be approximately 0.1 per cent. of the Department's total expenditure in that period.

Mr. Fraser

Does not the Minister regard that sum as miserly compared with the amount spent on treating the symptoms of crime? If he does not, will he indicate why there has been a rise in crimes of violence against the person of almost 50 per cent. since the Government took office?

Mr. Carlisle

One could hardly call more than £500,000 miserly. It must be related to the general competing needs of overall Government expenditure. A great deal of the expenditure of the Home Office goes in the provision for the police force and probation service. I cannot comment on the hon. Member's second point immediately. Of course we are concerned about the increase in crimes of violence but surely the hon. Member, like all hon. Members, will welcome the fact that crime overall has shown a reduction in the last few months.

Mr. Fowler

In view of the success of the Cambridge Institute of Criminology, will my hon. and learned Friend consider setting up another such institute?

Mr. Carlisle

I shall convey that view to my right hon. Friend.