96. Major Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that bands of hooligans are smashing up the work of housing contractors at night, destroying foundations, damaging water pipes and drains, breaking glass and timber and purloining interior fittings on the sites; and what steps he is taking to prevent such damage.
§ Mr. BuchananI am aware that certain damage of the kind described by the hon. and gallant Member is being done, but almost without exception the culprits are young children, very often below the age of criminal responsibility. There is no evidence to suggest that this malicious mischief is done by organised bands. It has happened at only a very few of the many sites where work is now going on and at all of these the police are giving as close attention as their resources allow. In particular cases to which my attention has been drawn I have already raised the matter with the Chief Constables concerned.