HC Deb 10 July 1974 vol 876 cc1350-1
21. Mr. Galbraith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in the interests of curbing vandalism, he will consider seeking powers to prohibit the sale of paint spray guns to teenagers.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

I am concerned about the extent of the damage to property caused by the use of aerosol paint sprays. But I do not think it would be right to prohibit the sale of articles which have many legitimate uses.

Mr. Galbraith

I was not suggesting that their sale should be restricted outright. Would it not be possible to impose restrictions on sales to young people, in the same way as restrictions are imposed on buying drink, fireworks and similar goods?

Mr. Brown

That is not a very practical or constructive suggestion. In 1970 there were 12 million aerosol paint sprays sold in the country. It would be very difficult to enforce the hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

Mr. David Steel

Will the Minister advise local authorities to learn some of the lessons of the success of East Kilbride in dealing with the matter? First, the local authority there attempts to remove the effects of paint spraying as soon as it occurs. Secondly, it provides enough community facilities to make sure that people have better things to do.

Mr. Brown

Many hon. Members will be aware of the imaginative approach to the problem. We have the Scottish Council on Crime, and a committee is in the process of being set up to deal with truancy and indiscipline in primary and secondary schools. I believe that along with the efforts of social work departments, this kind of imaginative treatment will make a big contribution to minimising the problem.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

Does the Minister agree that it is a desperately serious problem? We read in the papers this morning that one local authority is employing private security firms to try to control vandalism in some areas. Would not it be a simple remedy if those who defaced public buildings with aerosol cans were forced to clean up the buildings?

Mr. Brown

Yes, Sir, but I think that it must be done in co-operation with the authorities. I am not suggesting that the hon. Member has ever sprayed a building—I know that he is a vandal in other matters—but if he had done so he would know that there are problems in getting the paint off certain surfaces. That is why I say that it must be done in cooperation with the authorities, while involving the culprits.

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