HC Deb 30 January 1997 vol 289 cc368-9W
17. Dr. Hendron

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on joy riding in west Belfast. [11983]

Sir John Wheeler

I am very concerned about the extent of car crime in west Belfast and elsewhere. I am well aware of the damage that these crimes cause to the quality of life for the general public and the consequential costs. I am therefore looking in some detail at the effectiveness of the criminal justice system to support the Royal Ulster Constabulary. The Government are backing a range of initiatives by local voluntary and statutory agencies to address the problem and are providing the RUC with the resources that it needs to tackle it.