HL Deb 15 May 1884 vol 288 cc415-8

Suppression of Brothels.

Clause 11 (Summary proceedings against brothel keeper, &c.)

LORD BRAMWELL

proposed to amend the clause by omitting a word which would make penal the ownership of premises which might be used for immoral purposes.

Amendment moved, in page 5, line 22 to leave out ("owner".)—(The Lord Bramwell.)

Amendment agreed to.

THE BISHOP OF EXETER

proposed to insert a new paragraph inflicting penalties upon keepers of immoral houses who induced girls to resort thither.

Amendment moved, in page 6, line 2, after ("aforesaid") insert as a new mragraph— If it shall be made to appear to the court that a person convicted under this section has induced or knowingly suffered any girl under the age of twenty-one years to resort to or be in or upon the brothel in respect whereof he is convicted, for an immoral purpose, such person shall in addition to the penalties aforesaid ba liable at the discretion of the court to imprisonment for any term not exceeding twelve months, with or without hard labour."—(The Lord Bishop of Exeter.)

Amendment (by leave of the Committee) withdrawn.

LORD MONTEAGLE

moved an Amendment, that proceedings should not be taken against any person under the section except by order of the local authority.

Amendment moved, in page 6, line 5, after ("conviction") insert the following paragraphs:— Proceedings shall not be taken against any person under this section except by the order of the local authority. The local authority means the bodies of persons specified in the first schedule hereto. Any expenses incurred in respect of such proceedings by the local authority shall he paid out of the local rate. The local rate means the rate described in the third column of the first schedule hereto." —(The Lord Monteagle.)

THE EARL OF DALHOUSIE

said, he could not accept the Amendment, as it would shut out the general public altogether. Under the section as it stood, public associations could set the law in motion, and he saw no reason why they should not have the power to do so.

LORD MONTEAGLE

said, the existing law already gave power to associations to take action.

Amendment (by leave of the Committee) withdrawn.

Clause, as amended, agreed to.

Clause 12 (Future tenancies determinable for keeping brothel.)

On the Motion of the Earl of DALHOUSIE, the following Amendments made: In page 6, line 16, leave out from ("and") to ("that"), in line 17, and insert ("his assigns"); leave out from ("Building") in the same line to (" of ") in line 24, and insert— Nor any part thereof, demised by such lease, agreement, or contract of tenancy, or to be erected on any land so demised, shall be used as a brothel, with power for the landlord, and all persons claiming any estate or interest through or under him. in case of any breach of such covenant, to re-enter the house or building in which or in any part of which the said breach has been committed, and to avoid and put an end to the said lease, agreement, or contract of tenancy so far as respects such house or building, and in the event of such house or building being subject to an undivided rent in common with other houses or buildings, the rent shall be apportioned as circumstances require.

"(2.) The conviction, whether in pursuance of this Act or otherwise,"); line 25, leave out ("such"); and line 29, leave out ("of such lease, agreement, or tenancy") and insert— So far as respects such premises, of any lease, agreement for a lease, or other contract of tenancy whereby such promises are held by him.

Clause, as amended, agreed to.

Clause 13 (Search warrant for detection of brothel).

On the Motion of The Earl of DALHOUSIE, Clause struck out of the Bill.

    c417
  1. PART III. 123 words
    2. c418
  2. SETTLEMENT AND REMOVAL LAW AMEND MENT BILL [H.L.] 20 words
    3. c418
  3. HYDE PARK CORNER (NEW STREETS) BILL [H.L.] 38 words
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