asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the extent of crimes of vandalism in Greater London; and what action he is taking to alleviate this.

Some 62,000 offences of criminal damage were reported in London last year; over half of these were for damage of £20 or under. The recent pay award is designed to strengthen the police in London with whom, and with local authorities and others concerned, rests the immediate responsibility for combating vandalism.