HC Deb 25 March 1983 vol 39 cc497-8W
Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Basildon of 22 March, if he will make a statement on the increases in offences of robbery and other violent thefts committed by coloured people in the Metropolitan police district and, in particular, in the police districts of (a) Lambeth, (b) Waltham Forest, (c) Islington, (d) Lewisham and Bromley, (e) Wandsworth, (f) Camden and (g) Richmond and Hounslow;

(2) if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis concerning the reasons for, and the police response to, the increases of offences of robbery and other violent theft committed by coloured people in the Metropolitan police district; if he will meet the Commissioner to discuss the problem as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mayhew

My right hon. Friend condemns those responsible for such crimes whoever they are and he knows the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis shares his view. He has already taken vigorous measures to combat street robberies in London and the early signs are that these are beginning to prove successful. My right hon. Friend is in regular contact with the Commissioner about all aspects of the policing of the metropolis.