HC Deb 03 March 1955 vol 537 cc2214-6
33. Mr. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent his recent attempts to reduce prostitution in the central London area have proved successful; and whether he will make a statement in connection with this problem.

Major Lloyd-George

There is nothing that I can usefully add to the reply which I gave to Questions by the hon. and gallant Member for Brixton (Lieut.-Colonel Lipton) and the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. Hamilton) on 9th December last.

Mr. Lewis

That reply was not entirely satisfactory. In view of the great number of cases which are continually being reported in the Press, and the fact that many people and organisations have stated that they believe that the nominal fines which are levied are not really satisfactory penalties for the crime committed, will not the Minister look into the matter again to see if something further can be done?

Major Lloyd-George

As I told the hon. Gentleman in answer to a Question last December, a Departmental Committee on homosexual offences and prostitution is sitting at the present time, and I think that it would be better to await its report.

Mr. Stokes

Leaving aside the question of homosexual offences, can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say to what extent the whole prostitution organisation in the West End is run with the knowledge and approval of the police?

Major Lloyd-George

I am sorry that the right hon. Gentleman has seen fit to make an observation of that sort. It is a reflection upon what everybody agrees to be a very fine force. On further consideration, the right hon. Gentleman may wish he had not made it.

Mr. Stokes

On the contrary. I make it.

Major Lloyd-George

In that case I do not think so highly of the right hon. Gentleman as I used to. It is not done with the knowledge of the police. The very fact, to which attention was called by the hon. Gentleman, that the number of arrests has increased, is due to increased activity on the part of the police in the West End. The matters which were referred to the Committee were homosexuality and prostitution.

Mr. Stokes

I am not talking about homosexuals, and I am indifferent to what the Minister thinks about me. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] I want to know whether the Minister will deny that the whole of this prostitution organisation is within the knowledge of the police and is connived at by them.

Major Lloyd-George

I can only say what I said before. I do not accept that, and I say again that it is an attack upon the police which is wholly unjustifiable.