HC Deb 19 May 1994 vol 243 cc951-2
17. Mr. Riddick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to deter youth crime.

Mr. Maclean

A wide range of action is in hand at both national and local level, which is intended to prevent or deter juvenile crime.

Mr. Riddick

Is my hon. Friend aware that many of my constituents are thoroughly fed up with the way in which a number of youngsters are making their lives a misery? May I assure him that, contrary to what some Labour Members might think, my constituents—indeed, all members of the general public—are delighted that the Government are taking measures to tackle the problem of bail bandits and to introduce the concept of secure units? Is he further aware that what my constituents really want is the introduction of corporal punishment?

Mr. Maclean

The House will be aware that the Criminal Justice and Public Order Bill, with strong measures to deal with juvenile crime, received a majority of 176 in this House. That is a measure of the support in the House of Commons for it. I hope that those who are scrutinising that Bill will look carefully at the strong importance that the House has attached to dealing with persistent juvenile offenders, and reflect carefully before making any changes.