25. Earl of Dalkeithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has as to the number of premises in Edinburgh being used as brothels; how many prosecutions have taken place in the past two years; and what was the maximum sentence imposed.
§ Mr. WillisThe Edinburgh Police know of three houses under single management. There have been four prosecutions for brothel keeping in respect of these premises since the beginning of 1965. The biggest penalty imposed was a £40 fine.
Earl of DalkeithWould the hon. Gentleman not agree with many of my constituents, who feel that the repetition of trifling fines for persistent offenders is tantamount to running a licensed brothel system, but without many of the advantages of supervisory safeguards? What is he going to do about it?
§ Mr. WillisOf course, the question of fines is essentially one for the courts, and it is not for me to comment on their decisions.