asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of cases of housebreaking during the past three years for which figures are available; and if he will consider introducing legislation to increase the maximum penalties and sentences against those convicted of this offence.

The number of housebreakings made known to the police in each of the last three years was:

1973	63,853
1974	74,917
1975	83,727

Housebreaking is a common law offence the penalties for which are unrestricted in law. I am satisfied that the powers of penalty of the various levels of court in which the crime may be prosecuted are generally appropriate to those courts. It is for the court to decide what sentence to impose in the individual case.