§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East (Mrs. Short) on 15 June, Official Report, c. 245, concerning on the spot fines for customs offences involving cannabis, how many people have been so fined what has been the total amount of cannabis seized in this way; and what are the criteria followed by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise in deciding whether to institute proceedings.
§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyne[pursuant to his reply, 26 July 1982, c. 358]: The proposed system of offering to compound proceedings for certain offences involving 10 grammes or less of cannabis will shortly be introduced. Such an offer will not be made in cases where there are aggravating circumstances. Proceedings will of course be instituted where the offender declines to accept the offer.