§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure that his Department's review of shoplifting considers the possibility of introducing preliminary procedures before a court hearing for dealing with cases of alleged shoplifting in a more humane way, especially where the person concerned is ill or elderly and has no previous convictions; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MayhewThe current review by the Home Office standing committee on crime prevention of measures to prevent shoplifting will take into account my hon. Friend's suggestion.