HC Deb 08 June 1978 vol 951 cc349-51
5. Mr. MacKay

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable on measures taken to prevent violent crime in Birmingham; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Summerskill

We are aware of the chief constable's concern at the level of violent crime. Arrangements already exist for my right hon. Friend to be kept fully informed on the problems facing the police and the measures being taken to deal with them, both in the West Midlands and elsewhere. I must stress, however, that responsibility for operational matters rests with individual chief officers of police.

Mr. MacKay

Is the Under-Secretary aware that in Birmingham many innocent, law-abiding people dare not walk the streets at night for fear of being mugged? Is it not time that this disgraceful state of affairs was changed and that the Minister took action? Is she aware that we are 750 police officers short in the West Midlands? Surely the most important deterrent is detection, but there are not enough police officers to detect violent criminals.

Dr. Summerskill

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary met the chief constable recently. I am assured that the chief constable is taking every possible step that he can to deal with the rise in violent crime in that area. He has mobilised additional support for his area and there are a special patrol group and a robbery squad.

The strength of the force in the West Midlands has increased by 527 since it was formed in April 1974. I agree that every effort must be made to recruit more policemen.

Mr. Sever

Is my hon. Friend aware that recently, following representations to the chief constable by local Labour councillors in the Soho area of Birmingham and by the Member of Parliament for that area, the situation has improved to such an extent that, with the additional police officers who have been drafted into the area, the crime rate has been substantially reduced? In the light of that, will my hon. Friend accept the view of most people that whatever can be done must be done, in addition to the existing measures, particularly about the recruitment of police?

Dr. Summerskill

I am pleased that my lion. Friend appreciates that efforts have been made by the chief constable of the area and generally to counteract the rise in violent crime. Still more must be done. The real answer lies in increasing the strength of the police force in the area.

Mr. David Howell

Would not one way to help the fight against crime in Birmingham and elsewhere be to release more police to fight crime and to spend less police time on administrative burdens and chores? Has the Minister noted the remarks of senior police officers that a torrent of Acts and regulations is making the administrative burden on the police intolerable? What steps is the Home Office taking to review the legislation and to see what can be done to reduce the administrative burden on the police?

Dr. Summerskill

I agree that it is essential to release more police officers to fight violent crime. Recently the number of civilians in the force has been increased to deal with the problem.