§ Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what charge is made by the police for the issue of a pedlar's certificate; what is the total cost of police time and administration in that connection; and whether he proposes to seek an amendment to the law to enable him to recover the full cost from the person benefiting from the licence.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees:The fee charged for the issue of a pedlar's certificate is £1.25. In the Metropolitan Police district, the Commissioner estimates the annual cost of administering the Pedlars Act 1871 at £5,000. Corresponding information in 385W respect of other police areas is not at present available centrally. I propose, however, to invite other chief officers of police to provide estimates of the cost of this work and, in the light of this information and chief officers' views, I will consider whether the fee should be increased.