§ 11. Mr. Hydeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the Report of the Committee on Homosexuality and Prostitution.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI am informed that the Committee is still engaged in drafting its Report. It is aware of my anxiety to have it as soon as possible, but I cannot say when it will be completed.
§ Mr. HydeHas my right hon. and gallant Friend noticed the remarks of one of the Metropolitan magistrates recently 1435 to the effect that unless the courts are given wider powers to deal with the problem of prostitution, a serious scandal will develop? Is he aware that streets which not long ago were regarded as respectable neighbourhoods are now places where no decent person would wish to be seen after dark; and will he draw the attention of the Committee to the urgency of this matter and the need for their making recommendations which can be quickly implemented?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeWhat the Committee recommends is entirely its own affair. I did see what the magistrate said. I should have thought that to take any action in the form of legislation before we have the Report would be the height of folly.