§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will establish a task force to make recommendations to address the problem of child prostitution. [8427]
§ Mr. MacleanWe have no plans to do so. We believe that the present law is adequate to deal with those who exploit child prostitutes.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to increase the penalties for those convicted of(a) enticing children into prostitution and (b) living off the earnings of child prostitutes; [8428]
(2) what plans he has to increase the penalties for those convicted of living on immoral earnings. [8426]
§ Mr. MacleanThe maximum penalty for an offence of living on the earnings of prostitution, whether adult or child, is seven years' imprisonment. Two years' imprisonment is the maximum penalty for causing or encouraging prostitution of a girl under 16. There is no evidence that these maximum penalties are insufficient for the most serious cases of these offences.