§ Q56. Mr. Ewingasked the Prime Minister to what extent she attributes the causes of the increase in crime since 1979 to youth unemployment and bad housing; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. BiffenI have been asked to reply.
Extensive research has not yielded a clear or significant link between levels of unemployment and recorded crime. Other studies have shown that certain kinds of housing estates are particularly prone to crime and vandalism, but there is no evidence to suggest that poor physical conditions in themselves contribute to criminality.
§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 21 November.
§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 21 November.
§ Mr. Pikeasked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 21 November.
§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Prime Minister if she will list her engagements for Thursday 21 November.
§ Mr. Baldryasked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 21 November.
§ Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 21 November.
§ Mr. Meadowcroftasked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 21 November.
§ Mr. Leighasked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 21 November.
§ Mr. BiffenI have been asked to reply.
This morning my right hon. Friend presided at a meeting of the Cabinet, and is now in Brussels for President Reagan's briefing of the NATO Council.