HL Deb 23 November 1983 vol 445 c239

2.43 p.m.

Baroness Sharples

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty' s Government how many home watch neighbourhood schemes are contemplated in major cities in the United Kingdom.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Elton)

My Lords, the Metropolitan Police and 10 other police forces in England and Wales are operating neighbourhood watch schemes, under various names, and a further six will be doing so within a year. I understand that no schemes are in operation in Scotland and Northern Ireland at present. The matter is, however, being kept under active review by the police forces concerned.

Baroness Sharples

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. I understand that the scheme only started at the beginning of September. Would my noble friend agree that it has been an extremely encouraging start, in that I understand that in one area in London the reduction in crime has been 50 per cent. compared to an equivalent period for last year? Would he also agree that the community spirit shown by people is excellent and numbers of people are coming forward to be special constables?

Lord Elton

My Lords, I am grateful for my noble friend's supplementary question. Indeed, we are encouraged by our experience in this field. Policing is a matter of work within the community and not upon the community. and this is a very good way of generating a community spirit and co-operation with the police force.

Lord Mishcon

My Lords, does the noble Lord the Minister remember, as I am sure he will, a very interesting debate on crimes of violence which took place on the initiation of the right reverend Prelate, Primate—I mean the most reverend Primate? If the noble Lord the Minister does not remember my question. he will at least remember the corrections that have been made to it. Was it not the very essence of that debate that there should be more community involvement with the police? Is this not an excellent way of showing it. and are the Government going to encourage it as much as possible?

Lord Elton

My Lords, I do indeed remember the debate initiated by the most reverend Primate and its central theme, and I welcome the noble Lord's support for our view that the co-operation of the police and the community is the foundation of good law keeping; and we shall of course support it.