asked the Home Secretary whether his statistics show any increase in the practice of joy-riding in borrowed motor cars; and whether the penalties for such offences are regarded as sufficiently deterrent?

The total number of motor vehicles reported to have been taken without the consent of the owner in 1937 was 13,644; in 1936, 8,371; and in 1935, 5,723. In the same period the number of licensed private motor vehicles increased from 1,477,378 to 1,798,105. The penalty which may be imposed for this offence, on summary conviction, is imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or a fine not exceeding £50, and on conviction on indictment, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding £100, or both such imprisonment and fine. My right hon. Friend has no reason to think that these penalties axe not adequate for this offence.