§ Mr. John Huntasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many unlicensed street traders were prosecuted within the Metropolitan Police area during the first nine months of 1976 compared with the same period of 1975; and if he is satisfied that the existing police powers are sufficient to deal with the problem of illicit street trading in the capital.
§ Dr. SummerskillI regret that this information is not available.
In those parts of the Metropolitan Police District where street traders are licensed, the responsibility in general for prosecuting unlicensed traders rests with the local authority. The police prosecute only in cases where the trader is alleged to be obstructing the highway; they do not keep separate statistics of such prosecutions. The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis is satisfied that where there is a licensing system his officers
321Whave adequate powers to deal with unlicensed traders.