Drive over 'sex sales' to young

A Government inquiry being launched today will examine whether new rules are needed to prevent the marketing of items like "porn star" T-shirts, lap-dancing kits and padded bras to pre-teens.

Prime Minister David Cameron has said he was shocked to find "Lolita" beds for six-year-olds on sale, and the coalition agreement in May promised "action to protect children from excessive commercialisation and premature sexualisation".

The chief executive of the Mothers' Union, Reg Bailey, has been appointed to lead the inquiry, which will have a free hand to make recommendations on whether there should be restrictions on sale, a watchdog or a Government-funded website for worried parents.

Children's Minister Sarah Teather told the Sunday Times: "There are huge pressures on children to grow up too quickly and to buy stuff, some of which is completely unsuitable.

"I know when I walk down the high street there is one shop after another marketing highly sexualised clothes to young children: short, tight dresses; T-shirts with unsuitable slogans.

"Parents are under a tidal wave of pressure."