§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what practical provisions exist for the punishment of convicted juvenile shoplifters holidaying in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JohnThe orders available to courts in cases of juveniles convicted of shoplifting whilst on holiday in the United Kingdom are the same as for juveniles resident here; they include a fine, attendance centre order, detention centre order and borstal training. I recognise the problem of enforcing court orders where the offender is a visitor who is about to leave the country. If a custodial sentence is not appropriate, the only practical penalty, if the offender has the means to pay it, is a fine.
§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, pursuant to his answers to the hon. Member for Christchurch and Lymington on shoplifting, on 23rd February 1977, 5th May 1977, 20th July 1977, 15th December 1977 and 13th February 1978, he will now update the statistics.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesTo provide all the information requested would involve disproportionate cost.