HC Deb 03 August 1961 vol 645 cc212-3W
53. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many thefts from commercial vehicles were reported to the police in the Metropolitan Police district in 1960, and to the latest convenient date in 1961; what were the values of the losses in each year; in how many cases convictions were obtained; what was the average length of sentence in cases where imprisonment was imposed; and if he will give corresponding figures for the remainder of England and Wales, so far as they are available to him.

Mr. Renton

I will, with permission, circulate the figures for the Metropolitan Police District in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Comparable figures for the rest of England and Wales are not readily available.

54. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that operators of commercial vehicles are finding it increasingly difficult to get adequate insurance against theft of the goods they carry; if he is satisfied with the present powers of the courts to deal with offences of this nature; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

My right hon. Friend's attention has not been drawn to any such difficulty. He is satisfied that the courts have adequate powers to deal with offenders.