§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the petrol bombs thrown during the recent disturbances at Southall were manufactured and thrown by skinheads or by Asians; and at whom were they thrown.
§ Mr. WhitelawI understand from the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis that it might prejudice his continuing inquiries into the manufacture and use of the petrol bombs to give details at this stage. Petrol bombs were thrown both at the police and at buildings.
§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in respect of the disturbances at Brixton, Southall and Toxteth, respectively how many persons were arrested; and by category of offence, how many were charged; how many have been tried so far; how many were found guilty; and what sentences were awarded divided into the following categories (a) immediate imprisonment or detention of (i) two years or more, (ii) six months to two years and (iii) less than six months, (b) suspended sentences, (c) fines (i) over £200, (ii) £50 to £200 and (iii) under £50 and (d) other penalties.
§ Mr. WhitelawBy 8 July, 101 of the 354 people arrested for offences in respect of the disorders at Brixton on 10 to 12 April had been dealt with by the courts and 92 found guilty. Following is the further information required in respect of these 101 people, provided by the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis:
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Nature of Offence Number Charged Theft 23 Dishonest handling 13 Possession of offensive weapon 7 Burglary 24 Threatening behaviour 18 Obstruction of highway 2
Nature of Offence Number Charged Obstruction of police 6 Assault on police 2 Insulting words 1 Possession of ammunition 1 Criminal damage 3 Going equipped to cause criminal damage 1
Nature of Sentence Number Sentenced Imprisonment 18 months imprisonment 1 6 months imprisonment 1 3 months detention 3 Suspended sentence 5 Fines £500 1 £50–£200 18 Less than £50 22 Other penalties Attendance centre 6 Community service 3 Cautioned 6 Probation 1 Conditional discharge 18 Absolute discharge 2 Bound over 8 Placed in care 1 Some of those convicted received more than one penalty.
The other information requested is not immediately available and I shall write to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were arrested for offences involving looting as a result of disturbances in the Brixton, Southall and Toxteth areas, respectively.
§ Mr. WhitelawBy 8 July, 60 people had been arrested for offences of theft, burglary or dishonest handling committed during the disorders at Brixton on 10 to 12 April, none had been arrested for the commission of such offences during the disturbance at Southall on 3 July, and 118 had been arrested for offences of theft or burglary committed during the disorders at Toxteth on 4 to 6 July.