PROSTITUTION has been operative since biblical times. In some countries it is considered a necessary evil. I was astounded to read of the type of legislation the Government intends to introduce relating to ordinary men seeking the services of prostitutes.

PROSTITUTION has been operative since biblical times. In some countries it is considered a necessary evil.

I was astounded to read of the type of legislation the Government intends to introduce relating to ordinary men seeking the services of prostitutes. These men are not involved in the abominable crime of rape, but the Government intends to make them criminals. Surely, far more positive action should be taken against criminals of whatever nationality who force girls, many of a tender age, into the dark world of prostitution.

The Government has allowed the incessant flow of hordes of organised foreign criminals from Europe and beyond to enter the United Kingdom. They boost the number of men already resident here who trade in the heinous crime of living wholly or in part on the earnings of prostitution.

Many young girls have been abducted from their homes on the Continent. These girls, who live a life of fear, are terribly exploited, regularly and viciously assaulted, and forced into the murky world of prostitution to provide daily tax-free income for their pimps.

It is well recognised that many of these girls are treated as slaves and forced onto the streets or elsewhere, while the pimps, who never do a day's work, live their lives of luxury on drugs, liquor, gambling, expensive cars and the purchase of high-value properties in London and elsewhere.

These procurers must be dealt with at Crown Courts where, if convicted, they would receive a substantial penalty of imprisonment. Those that arrive from overseas would be recommended for deportation at the conclusion of their sentences.

What kind of country have we become, to allow pimps such freedom to exercise their appalling trade? In the past, such activity was generally confined to London and other major cities. However, in more recent years, this canker has spread to areas beyond, including Cambridgeshire, where I believe certain action has been taken.

HARRY YARDLEY

Mayfield Road

Hartford