§ Mr. Peter Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on recent robberies and attempted robberies of supermarkets in South-East London, listing the number involving firearms.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees:I understand from the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis that there have been 16 robberies or attempted robberies involving firearms at supermarkets in South-East London since 1st January 1978. I am naturally disturbed at the number of such incidents involving the use of firearms, and I shall continue to support the firm action taken by the Commissioner to meet the situation.