SOUTH Dorset MP Richard Drax has sparked a heated debate over his views on Page 3 girls.

A letter allegedly written in response to a South Dorset constituent by Mr Drax sparked the issue to be raised in Prime Minister's Question Time this week.

The constituent had written to Mr Drax asking him to add his name to the list of those supporting the 'No More Page 3 Campaign', which is calling on The Sun to remove the page.

The letter of response said: “Thank you for your email of today regarding Page 3 girls in the Sun.

“While I understand that some people are offended at seeing naked breasts, this particular page is something of a national institution, providing the girls with a job and Sun readers with some light and harmless entertainment.

“It certainly pales into insignificance compared to what you can see with ease on the internet and in the more graphic pornographic publications.

“And, in most parts of the UK on a summer's day, finding ladies with their tops off is not a difficult task.

“I certainly do not mean to underestimate you concern, but I think on balance Page 3 girls do no harm and the practice will no doubt die out on its own anyway.”

Speaking to the Dorset Echo Mr Drax said he did not wish to comment on correspondence with constituents as he felt it would be a breach of confidentiality.

He said: “I'm not prepared to comment on private correspondence of any sort because it would be a breach of confidence.”

He added: “I don't comment at all on any correspondence with constituents, because it's confidential.”

The subject was raised in Prime Minister's Question Time by Labour MP Stella Creasy.

She asked: “I am sure that the Prime Minister is as concerned as Labour members are about the 42 per cent increase in long-term unemployment among young women that has taken place on his watch.

“Will he confirm that the reason he does not support the No More Page 3 campaign is that, like his Honourable Friend the member for South Dorset (Richard Drax), he believes that at least Page 3 provides jobs for the girls?”

Mr Cameron did not mention the Page 3 issue in his response but said that there had been a rapid reduction in unemployment in recent months with a million more people back in work.

Tell us what you think- Do you think Page 3 is a 'national institution?' Or would you like to see the end of it? Please comment below.