HC Deb 15 December 1976 vol 922 cc1516-7
21. Mr. Rifkind

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his proposals to combat the substantial increase in serious crime in Scotland over the last 10 years.

Mr. Harry Ewing

I have nothing at present to add to the answer that I gave to the hon. and learned Member for Kinross and West Perthshire (Mr. Fairbairn) on 10th November.

Mr. Rifkind

Does the Minister realise that Scotland now imprisons a far higher proportion of population than is the case anywhere else in Western Europe? Does this not inhibit the prison authorities in dealing with hardened criminals? What does he intend to do about the situation?

Mr. Ewing

I appreciate the fact that we imprison a higher percentage of the male population than does any other country in Western Europe, but, on the other hand, we imprison the lowest percentage of female population. The Government are worried about the numbers in Scottish prisons. We are examining ways and means by which we can deal with the situation. When we have proposals to make, they will be made known.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

Will the Minister say whether the campaign to combat vandalism has been successful?

Mr. Ewing

It is too early to give an answer. The campaign started only five or six weeks ago, and we await the results with interest.