asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions of women for baby stealing there have been during the past five years; and how many have resulted in terms of imprisonment.

Figures for 1974 are not yet available. In the five years up to the end of 1973, 23 women and three girls under 17 were found guilty of child stealing. Six of the 23 women were sentenced to imprisonment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to prescribe a maximum sentence for offences involving baby snatching.

I shall keep under close review the possibility of such a change in the law.