HC Deb 20 January 1944 vol 396 cc392-3W
Sir W. Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the wholesale thefts from shops whose windows have been blown out by enemy action as well as thefts from the kitbags of soldiers on leave, which are slit open in transit between the ship and the train, the soldiers being forbidden by dock regulations to transfer the bags themselves; and whether he is satisfied that the penalties for such thefts are adequate and, if not, will immediate steps be taken to deal with the matter.

Mr. H. Morrison

I am informed that the reports published in the Press of widespread looting at the scene of the recent bomb incident which my hon. Friend no doubt has in mind are wholly unfounded. No looting took place and the soldiers and civilians who were seen taking property from damaged shop windows were helping the police to salvage it. I am glad to have this opportunity of paying a tribute to the work done on this occasion by the police, the Home Guard and the Civil Defence Services and of thanking those members of the public who assisted.

From inquiries which I have made I have no reason to believe that thefts from soldiers' kitbags in the circumstances described are widely prevalent, but I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War will be glad to look into any case of this kind which is brought to his notice.

The maximum penalty for looting is death or penal servitude for life. The maximum penalty for simple larceny is five years' penal servitude. I have no reason to think that it is necessary to increase these penalties.

Captain Plugge

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to recent cases of shop looting on the occasion of enemy bombing; and whether the police have instructions to prosecute in all such cases.

Mr. H. Morrison

As regards the particular incident which my hon. and gallant Friend no doubt has in mind, I would refer him to the reply which I have given to-day to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Kensington, South (Sir W. Davison). The police know that it is their duty to institute proceedings, whenever sufficient evidence is available, for looting or for other offences; and are fully aware of the importance of doing everything possible to detect and bring to justice persons guilty of this particularly despicable offence.