§ 86. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent charges of outraging public decency have increased in the Metropolitan police area during the past 12 months; how many suspected cases have been reported, but without prosecution; in what proportion of cases a warning is given without resort to prosecution; and what instructions are issued to the police on duty in respect of these cases.
§ Mr. R. A. Butler:Proceedings for offences involving indecency in public places in the Metropolitan Police District were taken in about 1,900 cases in 1959 and about 2,150 cases in 1960. In 1960, about 1,800 suspected cases were also reported, but for reasons such as insufficiency of evidence proceedings were not taken. Warnings are not given by the police for these offences. The Commissioner's instructions are confidential.