HC Deb 05 March 1964 vol 690 cc1492-3
3. Commander Kerans

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to prohibit all-in wrestling performances by women.

Mr. Woodhouse

Although reports of one recent case have appeared in the Press, my right hon. Friend does not have sufficient evidence to justify consideration of legislation for this purpose.

Commander Kerans

Is my hon. Friend aware that this takes place behind a public house at Wadhurst, in Kent, where I understand that local girls and a certain number of foreign girls take part in all-in wrestling? Does not he think this is a bad thing which ought to be stopped?

Mr. Woodhouse

It is certainly not a spectacle which I should wish to witness myself, but in the particular case—there is only one case, to the best of my knowledge—to which my hon. and gallant Friend was referring, the exhibition was arranged by a local club formed for the purpose of fostering the interest of persons of both sexes in judo, unarmed combat, self-defence and wrestling. So far as I know, the club has only 50 members.

Miss Bacon

Is the hon. Member aware that there are some people who find all all-in wrestling, whether by men or women, most revolting?

Mr. Woodhouse

There is provision in certain areas of the country for the licensing of public exhibitions by the local authority which can, in certain cases, attach conditions; but my right hon. Friend has had no representations to the effect that it is necessary to extend such leglisation over the whole country.