In the light of public concern over the use of crossbows and high-velocity catapults, the Government decided to legislate to control the use of such weapons.

In Smith v Hughes [1960] 2 All ER 859 Lord Parker said

"I approach the matter by considering what is the mischief aimed at by this Act. Everyone knows that this was an Act intended to clean up the streets to enable people to walk along the streets without being molested or solicited by common prostitutes. Viewed this way it can make little difference whether the prostitute is soliciting while in the street or standing in a doorway or on a balcony."

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