§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many retailers have been prosecuted in the last year for failing to obey the law in respect of selling butane gas canisters or gas refills to minors; and whether he has given any advice to police forces about pursuing a more vigorous prosecution policy in this area.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggStatistics of prosecutions brought under the Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1985 do not distinguish between the supply of butane gas canisters and of other volatile substances. In 1987—the latest year for which information is available—15 people were prosecuted for supplying such substances to minors, and 11 of them were found guilty. Circulars have been issued to police forces giving guidance on solvent misuse and 361W drawing attention to the provisions of the 1985 Act. Enforcement of the Act is an operational matter for chief officers of police.