§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many massage parlours have been opened in Northern Ireland during the past 12 months; whether there has been an increase in the number of such establishments in recent years; whether the police, the medical officers of health and the planning authorities have any specific functions in relation to these establishments; what these functions are; and if he is satisfied that the existing powers are sufficient to control them.
§ Mr. Moyle:Information about the number of massage parlours opened in Northern Ireland during the past 12 months is not available. There has undoubtedly been an increase in the number in recent years. The police, the medical officers of health and the planning authorities have no specific functions in relation to these establishments. The existing powers are adequate to enforce those parts of the law which have relevance to these places.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many massage parlours have been investigated by the police; and how many prosecutions have resulted.
§ Mr. Moyle:Information on the number of massage parlours investigated by the police is not readily available. There has been one successful prosecution under the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 1885, and a second case is awaiting hearing.
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