§ Sir H. Webbeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the serious increase in the number of cases of assault and robbery in the West End during black-out hours; and what steps he is taking to deal with this growing evil.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe suggestion that there has been a serious increase in offences of this type is not borne out by the figures. During 1943 the total number of cases of robbery with violence and assault with intent to rob in the West End of London during black-out hours was 35 as compared with 48 in 1942, but there was a slight increase in the number occurring in the streets, namely 34, as against 30 in 1942. All possible steps continue to be taken by the police to prevent these offences, and a number of arrests have been made.