§ 11. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the number of visitors expected in London during the Coronation period, and in the public interest, he will take steps to ban the shop-window display in West End side streets of dubiously-worded advertisements by which women, advertising their name, address or telephone number, invite the public to communicate with them.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeThere is no power to prevent the display of such advertisements, if they are not obscene and do not infringe the criminal law, but the police do what they can to secure the withdrawal of the more questionable advertisements, and I understand that these are not numerous. The police keep 539 a watch on these activities and have been successful, as a result of inquiries, in bringing prosecutions against persons who make use of them for criminal purposes.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonAs the number of these advertisements seems to be increasing, will the Home Secretary give an assurance that he will continue to make use of every means at his disposal to stop the display of what are obviously "sex for sale" advertisements? Cannot we do something to check this nauseating exploitation of commercialised vice?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI shall ask the Commissioner of Police to continue to keep the closest watch on these manifestations, but I emphasise that they are not numerous. Do not let us unnecessarily cry stinking fish about our own people.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HydeWould not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that it would be helpful if the hon. and gallant Member for Brixton (Lieut.-Colonel Lipton) could tell the House whether he has himself replied to any of these advertisements and, if so, with what results?
§ Mr. SorensenDoes not the Home Secretary agree that it is far better to leave this matter to the police than to give it unnecessary publicity?
§ Sir D. Maxwell Fyfeindicated assent.