HL Deb 21 May 1957 vol 203 cc1005-6

2.56 p.m.

EARL HOWE

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any report has so far been made by the Wolfenden Committee on prostitution, how long the Committee has been sitting, and when Her Majesty's Government expect to be able to make a statement.]

THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION (VISCOUNT HAILSHAM)

My Lords, the Departmental Committee on Homosexual Offences and Prostitution have not yet reported. They began work in September, 1954, but while they are believed to be nearing the end of their labours, it is not yet possible to say when the report will be presented.

EARL HOWE

My Lords, does this subject really take three years to discuss? I had the honour of appearing before the Committee and I have heard the police evidence given. Surely something can be done to accelerate the deliberations?

VISCOUNT HAILSHAM

My Lords, in my experience it is an almost inexhaustible subject of discussion.

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

My Lords, I agree with the noble Viscount that these things take a long time, but this does seem to be rather longer than normal. I wonder whether he would consider asking the Committee to produce an Interim Report, say, by the end of this year.

VISCOUNT HAILSHAM

My Lords, I am not sure whether this is a matter on which an Interim Report would be of much value. I should have thought it better to get the right answer than a quick one.