§ Mr. BOOTHAre not these Reports the tary if he is aware of the increasing frequency of cases of unnatural vice and of the fact that painted boys are regularly parading the West End; and will he institute an inquiry into the cause and the encouragement of vice and the desirability of measures being taken without delay?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe police do not confirm the suggestion in the question that there has been any increase of late in the class of crime referred to, and there is not, therefore, any special ground for an inquiry.
§ Mr. McKENNAThey are the best source; I will not say they are the only source.
§ Mr. BOOTHIf I send the right hon. Gentleman the names of one of His Majesty's judges and other officials who will give definite information, will he consider the subject?
§ Mr. McKENNAHis Majesty's judges could only receive information upon the subject in consequence of police prosecutions.
§ Mr. BOOTHIf I give the right hon. Gentleman the name of one of His Majesty's judges who has been repeatedly accosted in the streets, will he have an interview with him?
§ Mr. McKENNACertainly; but his experience must be quite exceptional.
§ 19. Mr. BOOTHasked the Home Secretary if he is prepared to recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to consider the whole question of public morality, including the publication of literature of a certain kind and the non-administration of the laws already on Statute Book?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe answer is in the negative.