§ Sir John Biggs-DavisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to what factors he attributes the fact published in the 1986 statistics that overall crime rates in Northern Ireland are consistently lower than in most other regions of the United Kingdom; how the Royal Ulster Constabulary's clear-up rate now compares with that of mainland forces; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stanley[holding answer 21 January 1988]: The reasons for the overall crime rate being lower in Northern Ireland than in England, Wales or Scotland must necessarily be somewhat speculative. Adherence to traditional values and the strength of the family unit in the Province may be contributory factors. The RUC's clear-up rate for all forms of crime in 1986 was 37 per cent. compared to 32 per cent. in England and Wales and 34 per cent. in Scotland in the same year. The RUC is to be congratulated on this performance, particularly as it is achieved amidst a terrorist campaign which makes conventional police work that much more difficult.