LICENSED BROTHELS

Early day motion 27, tabled 6 December 2000 by Jane Griffiths (Labour). Signed by 5 members.

That this House congratulates the Evening Standard for its work in exposing the slave trade in women smuggled illegally into this country and then forced into prostitution; notes the conclusion of the Police and Reducing Crime Report, 'For Love or Money', that turning a blind eye to premises being used for commercial sex could lead to more women becoming sex slaves and that massage parlours and brothels should be licensed by councils to stop them being taken over by criminal gangs; and calls upon the Government to introduce licensed brothels and massage parlours as soon as possible, allowing the police to crack down on unlicensed operators and combat the street sex trade, frequently run by pimps who have criminal records.

Signatures by party: Labour 4, Liberal Democrat 1.