SWEEPING THE STREETS
SIR,—ln evidence before the Wolfcnden Committee I suggested that if the streets must be cleared of prostitutes by penalties, this be effected by high fines, not imprisonment. Most 'regulars' would disappear if the fine became £50. Then three months' imprison- ment of the remainder : the inexperienced and dim- witted, would be superfluous and vindictive, merely adding the degradation of a prison record to the sense of existing shame. Even the Prison Officers' Association is reported as opposed to imprisoning prostitutes. It would be precisely contrary to the recently announced policy of decreasing the short- term prison population. It would also be unjustly severe as between the prostitute and her unpenalised client.—Yours faithfully, DAVID LINTON 37 Stillingfieet Road, Barnes, SW 13
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