Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Thursday, 10 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 March 2005. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Thursday, 24 March 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what Police Service of Northern Ireland investigations are ongoing into young children acting as street sellers in central and south Belfast; how many arrests have been made in connection with this problem; and what efforts are being made to prosecute those who have organised such activities.

Answer: Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what Police Service of Northern Ireland investigations are ongoing into young children acting as street sellers in central and south Belfast; how many arrests have been made in connection with this problem; and what efforts are being made to prosecute those who have organised such activities. [221785] Mr. Pearson: The Regulatory Services Department of Belfast city council takes the lead on the issue of illegal street trading. Since July 2004 Enforcement Officers from the Regulatory Services Department, supported by the PSNI, have conducted a total of 21 operations aimed at illegal flower selling. As a result of these operations a significant number of real and imitation flowers to the value of £64,750 have been seized. No persons are currently being prosecuted by Belfast city council for selling flowers in Belfast city centre. To date no arrests have been made by police officers in relation to this issue.

Secondary information