§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many retailers in England and Wales were prosecuted for selling tobacco to children under the age of 16 years in each of the past five years for which figures are available; how many of these resulted in convictions; and what was the average fine imposed.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonThe following table shows the numbers of persons proceeded against for offences relating to the sale of tobacco to juveniles.
PERSONS PROCEEDED AGAINST UNDER SECTION 7 OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS ACT 1933—ENGLAND AND WALES 1970–1974 Year Total number proceeded against Proceedings discontinued Charge withdrawn or dismissed Total found guilty 1970 22 — — 22 1971 14 — — 14 1972 18 2 2 14 1973 14 — — 14 1974 30 — 2 28 Information on the average fine imposed could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.