§ 14. Mr. Albert Robertsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in view of the increasing incidence of old people being violently attacked, if he will give consideration to the inadequacy of the form of punishment for those convicted of such offences.
§ Mr. MayhewMaximum penalties for crimes of violence are already substantial, and it is for the courts to make appropriate use of their powers in sentencing people convicted of violent offences against especially vulnerable members of society.
§ 29. Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement concerning the increase in crimes of violence committed in the Greater London area.
§ Mr. MayhewThe number of offences of robbery recorded by the police in the Metropolitan Police district over the period 1975 to 1980 shows an annual average increase of 11 per cent. The increase in 1980 compared with 1979 was 21 per cent. and is a matter for particular concern. For other recorded offences of violence against the person the average annual increase was 7 per cent. over the same period but there were 2 per cent. fewer such offences in 1980 compared with 1979. The Government continue to give high priority to the law and order services, and since May 1979 the strength of the Metropolitan Police has increased by 2,114.
§ 33. Mr. Bob Dunnasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any fresh legislative proposals for dealing with the growing volume of violent crime.
§ Mr. WhitelawThe courts already have wide powers to deal with those convicted of offences including violence. But, against the background of widespread concern about the extent to which young people are involved in crime, and violent crime in particular, the Government published last October their proposals for strengthening the law relating to young offenders. We shall introduce legislation on these proposals as soon as possible.