HC Deb 22 June 1967 vol 748 c312W
36. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give directions to the Metropolitan Police to exercise discretion in taking action against people charged with shoplifting by supermarket stores in cases where there is doubt between intent and careless or absent minded behaviour.

Mr. Taverne

The decision whether the police should prosecute is for the chief officer to take according to the circumstances of each individual case, and it would be wrong for my right hon. Friend to attempt to give directions in such a matter.