§ 6. Mr. Ensorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make inquiries into the possibility of using the operation of castration in cases of persistent sexual offenders who are a danger to the public, in view of the fact that this operation has shown good results in a number of European countries.
§ Sir F. SoskiceI have no plans for action in this matter.
§ Mr. EnsorWould my right hon. and learned Friend agree to hear representations on this matter in the near future?
§ Sir F. SoskiceI will be glad to listen to any representations which my hon. Friend may wish to make to me, but I can give him no undertaking in the matter.
§ Sir G. NicholsonWill the Home Secretary express his horror at an idea which is more in keeping with the traditions of Nazi Germany than this country?
§ Sir F. SoskiceI do not think that I can usefully add to what I have said, namely, that I cannot give any undertaking about this matter, but that I will always listen to any representations which any hon. Member makes to me.
§ Sir C. OsborneIn view of the fact that these revolting sexual offences have increased from 2,000 to over 20,000 in the last 20 years—violent, fierce, filthy attacks—will not something be done, even if this course is not accepted?
§ Sir F. SoskiceI share the hon. Gentleman's abhorrence, as everybody in the House does, of sex offences. What I am trying to do, as I think the House knows, is to build up the strength of the police force and to put the police in a better position to combat the commission of criminal offences.