HL Deb 07 July 1960 vol 224 cc1235-7
LORD STONHAM

My Lords, I beg leave 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 they are aware that certain London shopkeepers exhibit for the information of any passer-by numerous advertisements of female and male prostitutes and of brothels, with details of the forms of perversion available; and whether they will say why the Metropolitan Police have not instituted proceedings against these tradesmen, who live on the immoral earnings of women, and against the advertisers who flout the law with such contempt.]

EARL BATHURST

My Lords, the police will take proceedings whenever satisfactory evidence is available to them that a criminal offence has been committed. The question whether evidence of conduct described by the noble Lord amounts to evidence of a criminal offence is one which has to be considered by the police in the context of each particular case.

LORD STONHAM

While thanking the noble Lord for that reply, may I ask him whether he will send to the Home Secretary photographs which I have in my possession, and which brazenly advertise crimes? Would that be considered as grounds for prosecution? May I further ask whether he is aware that these boards are not only a gross affront to public decency but are hired out for as much as £100 a week? Would that not constitute grounds for prosecuting the people who own and publish what appears on these boards?

EARL BATHURST

My Lords, the police will always be interested to consider whatever the noble Lord cares to put in front of them, and I will certainly give the photographs he mentioned to my right honourable friend.

BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGER

My Lords, can the noble Earl explain why the police have not already seen these boards, which are displayed for the whole public to see, and why it is necessary for the noble Lord beside me to produce these photographs?

EARL BATHURST

My Lords, I have explained that if it is a criminal offence, the police will be ready to take evidence and to take proceedings; but it must be a criminal offence.

LORD STONHAM

My Lords, is the noble Earl aware that the question asked by the noble Baroness is of considerable importance to the public, who just cannot understand why no action is taken? Some of them have written to me asking whether they would be prosecuted if they tore down the boards. The police are in an invidious position because of public opinion in this matter.

EARL BATHURST

My Lords, I appreciate the noble Lord's concern. If he can produce evidence of a criminal offence, I assure him that the police will take whatever action they can.