HC Deb 09 December 1954 vol 535 cc1090-1
5. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what complaints he has received about soliciting in the streets of the West End of London; and what action he is taking.

8. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the increased alarm concerning the high incidence of prostitution in London; and, in view of its possible adverse effects on the tourist industry, what additional measures he intends to take in the immediate future to deal with this social menace.

Major Lloyd-George

Not many complaints have been received in the Home Office about this problem during the last few months, but I am well aware that it causes a good deal of public concern. The number of arrests in London for street soliciting has considerably increased in recent years, and the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis will continue to take such steps as he can, within the limits of his resources, to deal with this nuisance. Any question of amending the law must, however, await the report of the Departmental Committee on Homosexual Offences and Prostitution, which is at present taking evidence.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Although about £18,000 is collected from these women in the form of 40s. fines, which they regard more or less as street-trading licences, is the Home Secretary aware that soliciting is more blatant and aggressive than it has ever been before; that this deterrent of a 40s. fine is no longer operating; and that, according to the Chairman of the British Travel Agents Association, the situation is unparalleled in the Western world?

Major Lloyd-George

I am not quite sure about the last part of the Question. It does not seem to stop travellers coming here, because the number of tourists was up last year. The figure for soliciting is one which is creating great public concern, but I do not think we can say anything until we get the Departmental Committee's Report.

Mr. Hamilton

Can the Minister say what steps his Department has taken for the suppression of this evil, compared with the methods adopted in other countries, which seem to have been more successful than the steps taken here?

Major Lloyd-George

I cannot answer that without notice, but I can say that there has been a great deal of intensification of police patrolling in the West End, which has led to an increase in the number of prosecutions.