To ask Her Majesty's Government whether since 16 April they have published evidence concerning the creation of a new strict liability offence, as provided for by Clause 13 of the Policing and Crime Bill; if not, why there has been delay; and when they will publish such evidence, in view of the recommendations made by the Joint Committee on Human Rights. [HL4035]

The decision to introduce a criminal offence was taken on the basis of all the evidence considered following a public consultation—Paying the Price, during the development of the Co-ordinated Prostitution Strategy and Tackling the Demand for Prostitution: A Review. Consideration of the merits of taking a criminal justice approach to the demand for prostitution is set out in these published documents. The decision to make the offence one of strict liability was taken following consultation with the police and Crown Prosecution Service.