HC Deb 17 January 2001 vol 361 cc272-3W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the age of the youngest person taken into custody by the Metropolitan police for prostitution was in the last 12 months. [145427]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The youngest person to be taken into custody by the Metropolitan police in the last 12 months because of suspected involvement in prostitution was 12 years of age. She was taken into protective custody and, in accordance with the joint Home Office and Department of Health guidance "Safeguarding Children Involved in Prostitution", a referral was made to the Social Services Department.