§ Mrs. GilroyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what discussion he has had with other Government Departments on the use of children of compulsory school age in undertaking test purchasing on behalf of local authority trading standards departments during school hours; and if he will make a statement; [158493]
(2) what advice his Department issues on the use of children of compulsory school age in undertaking test purchases on behalf of local authority trading standards departments during school hours; and if he will make a statement. [158495]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienHome Office Circular 17/1992 on the provisions of the Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Act 1991 included guidance on the use of children to make test purchases. A copy of the Circular is in the Library. We are aware that the Association of London Chief Trading Standards Officers subsequently published a code of practice for use in the London area, covering the enforcement of legislation concerning the sale of age-restricted goods which drew on the guidance in the Circular. The Home Office has not 141W subsequently had discussions with other Departments with a view to issuing further guidance. It is, however, our intention to do so, and to consult the Local Government Association, in relation to the provisions in the Criminal Justice and Police Bill, once enacted, which authorise the test purchasing of alcohol.