In June 2010, I submitted a parliamentary question to the Minister of Justice seeking information as to whether any action was to be taken against hotels and cable television that made money from pornographic TV channels. In his written reply, the minister said the police were investigating the matter. Nothing has changed since.

In my view, hotels that offer pornography on TV in their rooms should have been treated no differently than the porn cinema in Valletta that was shut down some three years ago after 30 years in operation a few metres away from the law courts.

Way back in 2006 I spoke in the House with reference to the rising tide of moral degradation and the havoc that flows from permissiveness – all in the name of twisted democratic concepts. On that occasion I referred to the number of strip clubs that mushroomed and graduated to the status of “gentlemen’s” and “ladies’” clubs while the forces of law and order slumbered on.

Now, we are faced with reports relating to organised teen parties where underage girls “dance with their friends in sexy lingerie”. The Times has referred to outraged parents and worried readers who have submitted photos and information about these parties, some pointing out that the parties brought together a volatile mix of 13-year-olds and 20-year-olds. A number of photos also show minors smoking inside the clubs. Facebook photos and YouTube videos even show teenagers pole-dancing.

It appears that there is enough material evidence to prove that the law is being broken under the noses of the police authorities, that the existing social fabric to provide child protection is not yielding the desired results and that the law is without teeth in this fragile sector.

The police are said to be investigating the matter. I hope that immediate action will be taken. There is no room for dilly-dallying. It is a shame that action, if any, is sometimes taken only after illegal matters make press headlines.