§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many sexual attacks have occurred on London Transport vehicles in each of the past three years; what action he is taking to stop these attacks; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloThe number of reported "sexual offences" on London Underground trains and stations in 1987, 1988 and 1989 were 334, 451 and 632 respectively. Figures for crimes on trains are not recorded separately. The category "sexual offences" covers a range of incidents from indecent exposure to rape. The British Transport police are now targeting this type of crime and detection rates have increased by 94 per cent. since 1988. In addition, a programme of passenger security measures is being introduced on the Underground, financed by £15 million Government grant. Crime against passengers on London buses is dealt with by the Metropolitan police and London Regional Transport does not maintain a central statistical record of such incidents. There has been no serious crime reported on the Docklands light railway since it opened in 1987.