§ Mr. MartlewTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what study he has made of the use of police cautions with regard to alleged shop-lifting offences; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles WardleMy Department has not conducted any study of cautioning specifically for shop-lifting. But we expect to begin a research study later this year which will assess the response to Home Office circular 59/90, which aimed to promote good practice and consistency of decisions in the use of cautions.