§ 49. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEasked the Prime Minister whether the Government intend to take action during this Session along the lines of the Report of the Departmental Committee on sexual offences against young persons?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have been asked to reply. This Report, which was only recently presented to me, is receiving my careful consideration, but I am unable to make any statement at present.
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEWould the right hon. Gentleman take into account the fact that large numbers of organisations of women are very anxious that something should be done along these lines?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIt is only fair to say that there is another Report from a Departmental Committee coming to the House, and I propose not to ask any legislative sanction for either of them until they both are ready, and so have one Bill for the two.
§ Miss WILKINSONWhen the right hon. Gentleman is taking both these Reports together—a very wise thing to do—will he also consider increasing the women police?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe question of women police hardly arises. As the hon. Lady knows, I have already increased the women police in London where I have power. I am advised that further increases will take place throughout the country, but I have no power to insist upon them.