HC Deb 07 May 1975 vol 891 cc441-3W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of rape have been reported in each of the last five years.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The number of offences of rape and attempted rape recorded as known to the police in England and Wales in the last five years is as follows:

1970 884
1971 784
1972 893
1973 998
1974 1,052

The available statistics do not distinguish offences of rape from those of attempted rape.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have been tried for the crime of rape in each of the past five years; and what was the number convicted.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Figures for 1974 are not yet available. The following table shows for juveniles and for adults—the numbers proceeded against and the numbers found guilty in England and Wales:

Magistrates' Courts*
Proceeded against Persons found guilty
1969 32 24
1970 31 13
1971 29 14
1972 34 20
1973 30 14

Crown Court
Persons for trial Persons found guilty
1969 294 204
1970 362 292
1971 358 255
1972 359 261
1973 433 317
* All those found guilty in magistrates' courts were under 17, although some persons over 17 were proceeded against in magistrates' courts and had their charges withdrawn.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has of women not reporting rape.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I know of no reliable evidence about this occurring in this country.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with other countries on problems connected with the law relating to rape.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

None.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to exclude a man's belief on irresponsible grounds as a defence in cases of alleged rape.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I am studying the House of Lords judgment which my hon. Friend has in mind. I must ask him to await the outcome of that study.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will conduct a review of the law as it relates to rape; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The Government are committed to a programme of modernizing and codifying the criminal law, of which a review of the law on sexual offences will form an important part.

Forward to