asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now introduce legislation to control the trading habits of supermarkets in regard to their methods of apprehending people whom they suspect of shoplifting.

No, Sir.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the police are concerned about the different attitude as between one company and another? Is he also aware that in one case the county police force is refusing to prosecute cases brought by certain companies? Would he look into the situation since this problem is worrying not only police but also many housewives?

Yes, Sir. As my hon. Friend knows, a working party is considering all these matters, together with the useful suggestions put forward by my hon. Friend.