HC Deb 10 April 1975 vol 889 cc443-5W
Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions, on findings of guilt, for offences of criminal damage to property were recorded in England and Wales in each year from 1960 to 1974, inclusive; how many such convictions were recorded against young people between 14 and 21 years of age; and how many such findings of guilt were recorded against children between the ages of 10 and 14.

Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

Figures for 1974 are not yet available. The figures given in the following table are not comparable over the whole period because of a change in the age of criminal responsibility from eight to 10 years on 1st February 1964, and because of changes in the definition of offences classified as criminal damage resulting from the Criminal Damage Act 1971:

PERSONS FOUND GUILTY OF OFFENCES CLASSIFIED AS MALICIOUS OR CRIMINAL DAMAGE: BY AGE, ENGLAND AND WALES, 1960–73
Persons found guilty
Year All ages Aged 8 and under 14 Aged 14 and under 21
1960 16,905 4,962 6,789
1961 17,624 4,736 7,438
1962 18,537 4,610 7,962
1963 18,366 3,587 8,142
Year All ages Aged10 and under 14 Aged14 and under 21
1964 17,348 2,552 8,168
1965 17,949 2,691 8,233
1966 17,200 2,485 7,727
1967 16,697 2,162 7,311
1968 18,064 2,186 8,099
1969 18,662 1,969 8,772
1970 20.743 2,148 10,023
1971 22,879 2,050 11,245
1972 25,594 2,058 12,387
1973 31,417 2,470 15,678

Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total cost of repairing damage caused by reported criminal damage-solved and unsolved-in England and Wales in each year from 1960 to 1974, inclusive.

Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

I regret that the information is not available.

Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in order to detect, prevent and deter the commission of offences of criminal damage by children and young persons, he will seek to ensure that all police forces have the necessary manpower and resources to ensure the level of regular foot patrols.

Alexander W. Lyon

It is the responsibility of each chief officer of police to deploy his force to the best advantage. All chief officers are aware of the value of foot patrols and make appropriate provision for them in authorised establishments. It is the Government's policy to continue to strengthen the police by encouraging recruitment within these establishments.

Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in order to deter and prevent the commission of offences of criminal damage by children and young persons, he will introduce appropriate legislation to enable the courts to sentence offenders to corporal punishment in appropriate cases.

Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

No.