Memorandum submitted by Elliot Moss (PC 31)

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

 

Legislation that assists in addressing the evils of underage sex, sex trafficking, abuse by pimps and drug addiction could only be applauded.

 

But not all the sex industry is accompanied by these evils and, in my opinion, the statistics provided by the government and its supporters regarding the percentage of prostitutes who are trafficked are completely wrong.

 

I am familiar with the middle to top end of the massage parlours and escort agencies in Manchester (as a customer). I would say that I am an aware citizen and a sensitive person, and I would categorically state that the women I have met are doing the job without compulsion, of their own free will, and, as much as anyone else in a job, enjoy their work. They are often choosing this work as a short-term career choice.

 

I'm not a spokesperson for these parlours or agencies, but I would say that they enable the women to work together in a pleasant and safe work environment.

 

I see no benefit whatsoever in including such establishments in the proposed legislation.

 

The impact of the legislation would be to drive the industry underground, and expose women to unscrupulous pimps and all the dangers of a less well regulated working environment.

 

I therefore ask you to oppose Clause 13 both on the grounds of its being a strict liability offence and on the vagueness of the term "controlled for gain" which could be treated as a catch-all by the police and courts, and also Clause 20 relating to closure orders for brothels.

 

February 2009