§ Sir J. Lucasasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the large number of cases of looting from damaged houses recently before the courts; and whether, in view of the fact that the offence is a serious one for which the death penalty can be invoked, he will issue a circular to those responsible for the administration of justice recommending them to give deterrent sentences where the offence has been systematic or continued, or suggesting a minimum sentence for all such cases?
§ Sir J. AndersonI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a Question on1464W this subject by the hon. Member for Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson) on 10th October. As indicated in that reply, a circular, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, has been issued to courts of summary jurisdiction.