§ 11.15 a.m.
Earl ALEXANDER of TUNISMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will consider giving greater reward and recognition to those members of the public who act with bravery whether in natural disasters or bringing criminals to justice.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE, HOME OFFICE (Lord Belstead)My Lords, the existing awards for civilian gallantry, which include the George Cross and the George Medal, the Queen's Gallantry Medal and the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct, relate to acts of gallantry in various circumstances. Her Majesty's Government are not aware of a need for further recognition, but if the noble Earl has some particular proposal in mind, I will certainly see that it receives proper consideration.
Earl ALEXANDER of TUNISMy Lords, while thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask whether he would agree that it might deter would-be robbers and bank robbers if they knew that by-standers were more readily willing to intervene, should there be substantial rewards, both monetary and otherwise, in those circumstances?
§ Lord BELSTEADMy Lords, I entirely agree with the general view of my noble friend about the desirability of members of the general public taking on these responsibilities when they feel they can do so. My noble friend might be interested to hear that in the year 1978–79, 233 members of the public were compensated for injuries incurred in circumstances arising from attempts to arrest offenders or prevent offences or in assisting constables engaged in such activities. So far as financial compensation is concerned, there is of course the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund.