HL Deb 05 March 1980 vol 406 cc387-8WA
Lord AVEBURY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will hold discussions with the Metropolitan Police Corm- missioner and chief constables on the feasibility of using Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1936 (under which it is an offence to use threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour whereby a breach of the peace is likely to be occasioned) to deal with soliciting by prostitutes and importuning by men.

Lord BELSTEAD

No. How chief officers of police enforce the law is a matter for them.