HC Deb 18 June 1959 vol 607 cc635-6
24. Mr. Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what complaints he has received about worsening public disorderly behaviour in the Royal Parks; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I receive complaints from time to time about the behaviour of prostitutes in Hyde Park. Everything possible under the existing law is being done to deal with prostitutes, and I hope that when the Street Offences Bill becomes law the police will be able to deal more effectively with this nuisance. Complaints about the behaviour of the public generally in the Royal Parks are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works.

Mr. Lipton

Is the Home Secretary aware that, according to Mr. Billy Graham, and others who have written to me since confirming his statement—[HON. MEMBERS: "Who is Billy Graham? What did he say about it?"]—sexual intercourse takes place in the Royal Parks in daylight in full view of passers-by? If this sort of thing is going on, is there not a duty on the Home Secretary to deal with this blot on the fair name of London?

Mr. Butler

I have said that, with the passing of the new Act, we hope to make further progress, but in the last three months there have been no fewer than 538 prosecutions in respect of soliciting, indecency and insulting behaviour in Hyde Park alone.

Mr. Shinwell

While that may be so, are we not getting a little tired of people coming to this country and seeking to expose matters of this kind?

Mr. Ellis Smith

And others raising the subject?

Mr. Shinwell

Why do they not do it about things in their own country? What about what goes on in the United States of America?

Mr. Butler

I admire the patriotism of the right hon. Gentleman's observation.