§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the working of the Children and Young Persons Act 1969; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsI recognise that there is much concern about some aspects of this legislation, but I believe that it is still too soon to draw conclusions. Part II of the Act, which brought in the com-
1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1975 Arson … … … 375 322 357 470 716 991 Criminal damage … … … — — — 323 8,024 9,714 Indictable malicious damage … 387 352 386 432 — — Non-indictable malicious damage 5,566 5,542 6,526 6,657 25 25
§ Mr. Peter Morrisonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the continuing increase in violence and vandalism he will take steps to increase the penalties for those found guilty of such offences; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsThe existing maximum penalties for crimes of violence and criminal damage are very substantial, and I believe that the courts have the powers they need to enable them to deal appropriately with persons convicted of these offences. The use that the courts make
344Wmunity homes system, has only been fully in operation for 15 months. Local authority plans to provide a substantial increase in such accommodation have been drawn up and are now being implemented as resources permit. These are primarily the concern of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
My right hon. Friends and I will continue to keep the working of this legislation under close review.