Wing-Commander Jamesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many burglaries were reported in the West End of London during the last 12 months for which the figures are complete; in how many cases the culprits were traced; and if he is satisfied that the sentences that can be given are a sufficient deterrent to protect the public from what, in the circumstances, often amounts to a form of looting.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonFive cases of burglary and 82 of housebreaking were reported during the year ended 31st March, 1944, in those Metropolitan Police Divisions that may be regarded as cover- 1337W ing the West End. Twenty-three of these cases have been cleared up. The maximum penalties for burglary and housebreaking are penal servitude for life and for 14 years respectively. I have no reason to think that these penalties are not adequate.