IAM frankly surprised to read Gareth Tidman's account (March 27) of MP Brian Iddon's proposals for solving the problem of young girls being driven to prostitution by heroin addiction.
Mr Iddon seems to suggest that making heroin more easily available to prostitutes and legalising brothels will solve the problems.
From a moral point of view, encouraging drug taking and prostitution is wrong, and these principles are firmly embedded in our laws.
From a logical point of view, his suggestions are seriously flawed. Instead of solving the problem, he suggests giving in and compounding the problems.
Cheaper heroin will only increase demand and dependency. Girls will be driven into prostitution to obtain supplies. His suggestion also implies making heroin more freely available to people with problems. I am sure he is not suggesting legalising heroin for all.
As for legalising brothels, this will be seen as a signal that prostitution is respectable and encourage more girls to become trapped in what I can only suggest would be a drug-crazed nightmare ending only in tragedy.
I do not believe this is the approach of a society which claims to look after its children. I am sure Mr Iddon is not so naive.
M Slattery
Greenmount Drive
Tottington
Bury
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article