Mothers were told to stay at home

His controversial speech was aired at an insurance agents’ luncheon and based on the belief that dozens of juvenile delinquents would be off the streets if more mothers stayed at home.

He was quoted as saying at the time: “The sooner some of these women realise that being a housewife is a full-time job, the sooner we may be able to get some of these lawless kids off the streets.”

And he was supported by Luton North MP John Carlisle who agreed, adding: “A lot of the problems that we have today are because the traditional role of the mother has reversed and they’re working rather than looking after the home and the children. It has led to the break-up of family homes and delinquency among children. More and more children are lacking parental support and the mother figure.”

It was suggested that child benefit should only be given to mothers who stay at home.

Luton’s Mayor at the time, Coun Pauline Wolsey dismissed Mr Dyer’s statement as “rubbish”.