§ 44. Mr. J. M. HENDERSONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any and, if so, how many prosecutions there have been for infringement of Sections 39, 40, and 41 of the Children Act, 1908; and whether any steps have been taken to prevent the sale of cigarettes from automatic machines to youths under sixteen years of age?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Ellis Griffith)During 1911, the only year for which my right hon. Friend has figures for the whole of England and Wales, there were eighty-three prosecutions under Section 39, and no prosecution under Section 41. In the Metropolitan Police district alone there have been twenty-seven prosecutions under Section 39 from the commencement of the Act up to 31st December last, and no prosecutions under Section 41. Section 40 is not a provision under which a prosecution could be instituted.
§ Mr. J. M. HENDERSONCan the hon. Gentleman see his way to put a stop to the sale of cigarettes from automatic machines, seeing that in any case they are poisonous?
§ Mr. ELLIS GRIFFITHAny information supplied will be considered.