Inquiry to look at 'sexualised' items

Retailers may face a code of conduct on "age appropriate" marketing as part of a bid to halt the sale of sexualised products to young children. A government inquiry to be launched today will examine whether new rules are needed to prevent the sale of items such as "porn star" T-shirts, lap-dancing kits and padded bras to pre-teens.

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