§ Mr. McCuskerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many criminal cases, involving accused persons between the ages of 14 and 17 years, are currently before the courts in Northern Ireland;
(2) how many persons under the age of 14 years currently stand charged with criminal offences in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. CarterThe information requested is not readily available and coul dnot be obtained without disproportionate cost. However, in the period 1st January 1977 to 30th September 1977, 593 persons aged 14 and under 17 years and 192 persons under 14 years were charged and appeared before the courts in Northern Ireland.