HC Deb 29 October 1970 vol 805 cc180-1W
Mr. Boyden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will propose new measures to combat crimes of violence.

Mr. Sharples

Research and analytical work is in hand which may result in better preventive and corrective measures. But a good and efficient police service must be our main defence against crimes of violence, and it is my right hon. Friend's aim to improve police strength by all possible means.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what action he has taken or will take to implement Her Majesty's Government's policy on crime prevention;

(2) whether he will state the cost to date of the campaign initiated by the police on television and in the Press to request the public to assist the police in enforcing the law; and what has been the response;

(3) whether he will give details of the number of television broadcasts that have taken place this year, the numbers of Press advertisements placed and the costs involved in calling upon the general public to assist the Metropolitan Police in enforcing the law up until 28th October, 1970; and how this expenditure compares with a similar period during the calendar year 1968–69.

Mr. Sharples

A national crime prevention publicity campaign, costing about £150,000, is at present being held and there have so far this year been 136 television broadcasts and 80 press advertisements. It is not restricted to the Metropolitan Police District, and there was no corresponding national campaign last year. It is as yet too early to assess the results.

With the advice of the Home Office Standing Committee on Crime Prevention, my right hon. Friend has also given help and encouragement to the wide variety of activities in this field undertaken by police forces.