HC Deb 18 February 1918 vol 103 cc493-4W
Sir A. FELL

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the cases of theft which occurred during the last two air raids on London and the suburbs and to the losses of fowls and property which were suffered by many persons of small means; if the present punishments have been found insufficient to meet the exceptional conditions which prevail during raids and the helplessness of the people; and will he consider the question of obtaining further powers?

Sir G. CAVE

No case of fowl stealing was brought to the notice of the police on the occasion of the last two air raids; but twenty-three cases of larceny from shops or dwelling houses in the Metropolitan police district were reported, six arrests being made. Such offences can scarcely be prevented if premises are left with no protec- tion whatever. I have no reason to think that the powers possessed by the Courts are inadequate.