§ 25. Mr. Hollandasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that in recent political and quasi-political processions young children have been publicly used for propaganda purposes; and if he will introduce legislation to safeguard children from exploitation in this way.
§ Mr. VosperMy right hon. Friend is not persuaded that such legislation is necessary or would be practicable.
§ Mr. HollandIn view of that reply, would not my right hon. Friend and his right hon. Friend the Home Secretary 474 agree that in the course of this exploitation these children are being exposed to the moral dangers inherent in living rough and in communal sleeping—not just with the hard core of zealots—[HON. MEMBERS: "Come off it."]—but also with the hangers-on, the sex-ridden beatniks who go along for the kicks? Does not my right hon. Friend feel that there is a moral obligation to protect young minds from corruption?
§ Mr. VosperSection 1 of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933, provides some protection against physical conditions, but I doubt whether the House or my right hon. Friend would want to legislate in terms of prohibiting children from taking part in political processions generally, which is the only alternative I have in mind.