§ Mr. Hattonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to introduce legislation based on the report and final recommendations of the Working Party on Vagrancy and Street Offences.
§ Mr. John:The working party's proposals for increased fines for street soliciting by prostitutes were implemented in the Criminal Law Act 1977; those relating to summary trial and reduced penalties for homosexual soliciting were rejected. The proposals concerning indecent displays come within the scope of the fundamental review of the law on obscenity and indecency which is being undertaken by the departmental committee under the chairmanship of Professor Williams. Other proposals will be implemented when a suitable legislative opportunity occurs.