HC Deb 30 November 1978 vol 959 cc345-7W
21. Mr. Whitney

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he accepts the analysis of the Central Policy Review Staff that punishment is not an effective method of deterring vandals.

Mr. John:

What the Central Policy Review Staff actually said was that there is no reliable evidence that, as a general proposition, harsh punishment deters the vandal. It suggested that other measures for controlling vandalism may be more important. I do not dissent, but of course it is important that the courts have available to them adequate powers to deal with those who are convicted of criminal damage. I am satisfied that they have such powers.

30. Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to involve the community living in large towns and cities in tackling the problems of escalating violence and vandalism.

37. Sir William Elliott

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to involve the community living in large towns and cities in tackling the problems of escalating violence and vandalism.

39. Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to involve the community living in large towns and cities in tackling the problems of escalating violence and vandalism.

66. Mr. David Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to involve the community living in large towns and cities in tackling the problems of escalating violence and vandalism.

Dr. Summerskill:

Measures to support the police and to involve members of the community in countering crime and vandalism arc best planned and organised locally. As my right hon. Friend said earlier this afternoon in answer to Questions from the hon. Members for Ravens-bourne (Mr. Hunt), Chislehurst (Mr. Sims) and Twickenham (Mr. Jessel), the role of the Home Office is one of help and encouragement. The social policies of the Government are directed to improving conditions in the urban areas in which most crime is committed.

34. Mr. George Gardiner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his recent conference on vandalism produced any new proposals for dealing with those responsible.

Mr. John:

The primary purpose of the conference was to exchange information about effective measures to prevent vandalism occurring. The report of the conference, of which my right hon. Friend placed a copy in the Library of the House, gives details of some of the ideas put forward.