§ Sir R. Glynasked the Home Secretary of State how many cases there have been of robbery with violence in the Metropolitan area during black-out hours in the last nine months; whether the Commissioner of Police is satisfied that he can 2323W deal with this menace; whether any instructions have been issued to magistrates in regard to the seriousness of this outbreak; and whether he can assure the House that all is being done that can be done to rectify the position?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonDuring the nine months to 30th September last, the number of offences of robbery and assault with intent to rob reported as having been committed during black-out hours was no, of which 84 occurred in the streets. I have been in consultation with the Commissioner of Police, and I can find no reason for thinking that these figures, which include cases of minor injury, afford ground for alarm. The police are, of course, taking all possible steps to deal with offenders, and there is no evidence to suggest that any exceptional measures are called for.