§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action is being taken to improve the clear-up rates of police forces in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydDecisions about the priorities and methods for the investigation of crime are a matter for chief officers in the light of local circumstances. They already seek to target their resources on those crimes which are of most concern to the public. Clear-up rates for the most serious offences, including violence against the person and sexual offences, remain high at 75 per cent. or more. Most crime is against property, where there is a range of practical preventive measures which we can all take to help the police.