§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will have discussions with the Retail Consortium to examine ways in which Government action might contribute to a reduction in shoplifting.
§ Dr. SummerskillI should be pleased to consider any suggestions by the Retail Consortium for Government action which might help retailers to reduce shoplifting.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will consult with police representatives and private security firms to examine what further action might be taken to reduce the high incidence of shoplifting; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he is satisfied with the cooperation between his Department, police authorities and representatives of the retail trade on matters relating to shoplifting.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe police, the retail trade and the British Security Industry Association were represented on a working party of the Home Office Standing Committee on Crime Prevention which considered this subject and reported in 1973. Action to implement the recommendations of its report "Shoplifting and thefts by shop staff" is a matter for individual retailers, to whom the advice of the Crime Prevention Department of local police forces is always available.
I should be glad to consider any suggestions from the hon. Member about further action which he thinks my Department might usefully take.