HC Deb 01 August 1963 vol 682 c125W
49. Sir T. Moore

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to take to halt the increase of crimes of armed violence to which his attention has been drawn by the Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police in his report.

Mr. Brooke

The increase to which the Commissioner drew attention was in armed robbery, for which the maximum penalty is life imprisonment. I think there is no doubt, therefore, that the courts have ample powers to deal with those who are convicted of this offence. I am satisfied also that the Commissioner is doing everything he can to counter the increase, which must cause serious concern to all who have to do with the preservation of law and order.