§ Mr. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the public indignation aroused by cases of looting of bombed buildings; and whether he is prepared to advise the courts to be ruthless in dealing with proven cases of such 361W crimes against the victims of enemy air attacks.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI fully share the feelings of indignation aroused by the despicable conduct of those who by looting inflict additional loss and injury on people whose homes or shops have been damaged by enemy action. I sent a circular to magistrates in October, 1940, reminding them of the importance of making it clear that a serious view must be taken of such offences, and I do not think any further advice from me is called for, though I am glad that my hon. Friend's Question has given me an opportunity of emphasising once more the mean and injurious character of these offences, and the need for imposing appropriate penalties.