§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Attorney-General what was the cost of prosecuting children under the age of 16 years for soliciting in the last year for which figures are available. [26167]
The Attorney-GeneralThe information sought is recorded only on individual case files and is not collected or collated centrally. This information requested could therefore be collected by the Crown Prosecution Service only at disproportionate cost. Home Office statistics from 1989 and 1994 show a decline in convictions for this offence in the 14 to 17 year old age group.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Attorney-General if he will cease the prosecution of children under the age of 16 years who engage in prostitution; and if he will make a statement. [26168]
The Attorney-GeneralProstitution itself is not a criminal offence. However, a person who loiters or solicits for the purposes of prostitution does commit a criminal offence. The overriding principle is that the young person is protected from harm. In such cases the public interest may require the prosecution of a young person who persistently and voluntarily returns to prostitution. Each case is considered on its own merits.