HC Deb 03 March 1992 vol 205 c288

12.3 am

Mr. George Foulkes (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley)

It is my privilege to complete the worthy trio of petitions today with a petition from the citizens of New Cumnock—from 2,176 adults, representing almost the whole adult community in the town. It is one of the small but important towns in my constituency, led by former Councillor Willie Goudy, Mrs. Mary Morrison, John McWhirter and other members of an action group formed by the community following a meeting of 400 residents in New Cumnock concerned about the unacceptable level of crime and intimidation in the town. The petition is to the honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled: The Humble Petition of the Citizens of New Cumnock sheweth That there is an unacceptable level of crime and intimidiation in their community. Wherefore your petitioners pray that your honourable House shall address the issues contributing to this situation and take such measures as to allow the citizens of New Cumnock to enjoy peace of mind and security once again namely:

  1. (i) To increase police resources in this rural area.
  2. (ii) Review sentencing policies in order to create a real deterrent to crime.
  3. (iii) To expedite the processing of trials.
  4. (iv) To instruct the courts to exercise greater discretion in the granting of bail to persistent offenders.
  5. (v) To ensure that appropriate compensation is made to victims of crime. The courts to take initial responsibility for payment of such compensation.
  6. (vi) To promote greater responsibility by increasing parent liability for their children's misdeeds.
And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c.

To lie upon the Table.