HC Deb 27 October 1981 vol 10 c314W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce a change in the planning law to deal with the problem of sex shops taking over vacant shop premises and operating a business which the public generally find unacceptable, distasteful and detrimental to local morals.

Mr. Giles Shaw:

My right hon. Friend does not think that bringing sex shops under planning control would provide an effective solution to the problem, because planning permission cannot be refused on moral grounds. However, the Government have expressed support in principle for a proposal by the Greater London Council for legislation to introduce licensing control over sex shops in London. The question of more general legislation is being kept under review by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.