WE share the misgivings of some Bolton councillors who are uneasy about using child "spies" to entrap shopkeepers selling cigarettes to youngsters.

There's no denying the system is effective. Out of 57 shops visited in an informal survey, 20 sold cigarettes to youngsters who clearly appear to be under the age of 16.

Three years ago the BEN was critical of Bolton Council's decision to use child "spies". We pointed out that these children were being asked to act as 'agents provocateurs' and that it could be argued they were inciting shopkeepers to commit an offence.

It is surprising that it has taken councillors so long to agree with some of our arguments, but we welcome the fact that they have.

It does Cllr Pauline Spencer credit that she recognises there is an ethical problem and finds the use of children disturbing and distasteful. That is exactly what it is, even though children may see it as a game.

Like her, we would like to know more about Home Office guidelines on this matter.

There are some instances where the end justifies the means but using youngsters to sneak on shopkeepers is not one of them. Increasing publicity to shopkeeprs about the law relating to the sale of cigarettes would be preferable to using children in this way.

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