Commentary on Sections Part 1: Provisions for Combatting Crime and Disorder. Advertisements relating to prostitution
107.The Home Office issued a consultation document entitled ‘New Measures to Control Prostitutes’ Cards in Phone Boxes’ in May 1999 setting out a range of options to tackle the problem. The responses largely supported the need for legislation in this area but there was no consensus on the most effective measures to be put in place. In June 2000 Minister of State Charles Clarke announced that the Government would develop detailed proposals for a new offence following the consultation with the police, local authorities and telephone operators. Final proposals for a new criminal offence were announced in answer to a written parliamentary question in December 2000 (Hansard Col: 89W).
108.This form of advertising is not specifically prohibited by existing legislation and while prosecutions have been brought under a number of pieces of legislation (for example under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990) and civil action has been taken by local authorities, these powers have proved inadequate to tackle the problem.