§ Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has now been made in the proposals to control sex shops at local or national level; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MayhewAs my right hon. Friend the Minister of State indicated on 22 December during proceedings on the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill—[Standing Committee E, c. 141]—the Government agree in principle that local authorities throughout England and Wales should be able to take power to control sex shops by licensing. Amendments for this purpose will be brought forward at the Report stage of the Bill.