§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines he has issued to police forces proposing a greater use of cautions regarding users of class A drugs, opiates, where they are participating in needle exchange schemes.
§ Mr. MellorIn cases where a criminal offence is suspected the decision on what action to take, including whether to caution, is an operational matter for chief officers of police. We are consulting chief officers collectively and individually about the Government's plans to establish needle exchange schemes. Guidance on the use of cautioning was issued in Home Office circular 14/1985 on 18 February 1985. This envisaged the use of cautioning where it is considered to be in the public interest.