HC Deb 11 December 1975 vol 902 c292W
Mr. Cartwright

asked 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. Lyon

The 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Year Total number proceeded against Proceedings discontinued Charge withdrawn or dismissed Total found guilty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.