HC Deb 03 November 1988 vol 139 cc1177-8
22. Mrs. Hicks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in developing his Department's safer cities project in Wolverhampton; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

rose

Mr. Patrick Thompson

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I ask Question No. 21?

Mr. Speaker

I have called Question No. 22.

Mr. Patten

Wolverhampton was the first safer cities project to be announced. Since that announcement on 7 April 1988, a local steering committee, including representatives of the council, police, probation and voluntary sector, has been formed. It held its first meeting in July. I am encouraged by the progress that we have made in Wolverhampton. There has been an enthusiastic and energetic response from a wide range of organisations and individuals, and especially from my hon. Friend.

Mrs. Hicks

I thank my hon. Friend for those comments, which I endorse. Does he agree that one of the most effective crime prevention measures that we can take is to instil in our young people, both at home and at school, a healthy respect for the law? In paying tribute to the junior crime prevention panel in Wolverhampton, I ask what steps have been taken to ensure that young people will be represented on the co-ordinating committees of those excellent schemes?

Mr. Patten

The junior crime prevention panel in Wolverhampton is doing excellent work, and we encourage the local co-ordinating committees fully to involve it in its work.

Mr. Speaker

If it was my fault, I will call Question No. 21.

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