HC Deb 18 January 1996 vol 269 cc704-5W
14. Mr. Gapes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the increase in violent crime since 1979(a) in London and (b) in the United Kingdom. [7861]

Mr. Howard

Since 1979, there has been an increase of 203 per cent. in the Metropolitan police district, compared with 138 per cent. in England and Wales; for the City of London police force area, recorded violent crime fell by 33 per cent. Figures for Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for the respective Secretaries of State.

21. Mr. Livingstone

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the change in the rate of crimes of violence against the person since 1979 in(a) London and (b) England and Wales. [7869]

Mr. Howard

Since 1979, there has been an increase of 168 per cent. in the rate of crimes of violence against the person in the Metropolitan police district compared with 128 per cent. in England and Wales. But in the City of London police area, recorded crimes of violence against the person fell by 29 per cent. over the same period. The category of crime about which the hon. Gentleman has asked is different from the category in the question from his hon. Friend, the Member for Ilford, South (Mr. Gapes) which I have just answered.