 The "Conservation of Public Health Act 1878" required detention and medical examination of women suspected of being prostitutes,
 corresponding to the Contagious Diseases Acts in other parts of the British Empire.This Act was not repealed till 1916, but was relatively ineffective either in controlling venereal diseases or prostitution.The "Crimes Act 1891" included specific prohibitions under "PART II.—Suppression of Prostitution" Procurement (ss 14–17) or detention (ss 18–21) of women either through inducements or violence to work as prostitutes was prohibited, with particular reference to underage girls.