§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were proceeded against for rape, including attempted rape and aiding and abetting, in England and Wales in 1981; and what action he has taken or intends taking to reduce these figures.
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§ Mr. MayhewInformation relating to court proceedings in 1981 is not yet available. As shown in Home Office Statistical Bulletin 4/82, however, the number of offences of rape recorded by the police in England and Wales in 1981 was 1,068, somewhat lower than in the previous three years. The police will, I am sure, continue to devote every effort to the detection and prosecution of those who commit this offence.