HC Deb 14 March 1984 vol 56 cc380-1
4. Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many offences of theft and break-ins to homes were reported to the police in Scotland in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and what was the percentage clear-up rate of crimes in each category.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Michael Ancram)

The available information for 1980 to 1982 was published in Scottish Home and Health Department statistical bulletin No 2/1983, a copy of which is in the Library. Figures for 1983 are not yet available.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Is my hon. Friend aware of the grave concern among my constituents in Edinburgh at the wave of break-ins recently? Will he pass to the chief constable the message that my constituents would warmly welcome the return of more police officers to the beat?

Mr. Ancram

I appreciate my hon. Friend's anxiety, and I shall ensure that the chief constable is aware of what he has said. I remind my hon. Friend that in August an increase in the establishment in Edinburgh resulted in the releasing of 38 police officers for general police duties. The chief constable of Lothian has taken, and will continue to take, steps to put policemen back on the beat.

Mr. Maxton

Since the Government came to power there have been increases in police powers, in expenditure on the police and in the punishment for those who commit crime, so why has the crime rate continued to rise? Have the Government's policies on crime failed as dismally as all their other policies?

Mr. Ancram

The hon. Gentleman knows fun well the Government's concern about increases in crime. He also knows that the Government are committed, in a way that the Labour party is not, to the defeat of crime. It might be helpful if the hon. Gentleman were to suggest to his colleagues in Strathclyde region that they should make good the shortfall of 138 policemen in the establishment, as that would help the fight against crime in that area.

Mr. Hirst

May I offer my hon. Friend some good news? Is he aware that last year house break-ins in Strathkelvin reduced by 10 per cent. and in Bearsden by 15 per cent? Does that not confirm the success of the Government's policy on law and order? Is it not also an impressive result of the work of the Strathclyde police?

Mr. Ancram

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for reminding the House of those facts. A large part of the fight against crime can be helped by the public. I hope that they are aware that, by reporting suspicious incidents and ensuring that the security of their homes is as good as possible, they can go a long way towards helping in this important fight.