§ Mr. Naylorasked the Home Secretary whether, in order to check the development of kidnapping in this country, he will introduce legislation prohibiting the payment of ransoms by persons who may be threatened by this form of blackmail?
§ Sir S. HoareNo, Sir. Apart from the difficulties of enforcement I do not think that legislation on these lines would be effective as a deterrent. I would point out that demanding money, etc., with menaces is already an offence punishable with penal servitude for life.