MP wants to name HIV-positive prostitutes

United Future MP Gordon Copeland says prostitutes who test HIV-positive should be identified because they put clients at risk of contracting the virus.

Mr Copeland has asked written parliamentary questions about the number of prostitutes who have tested positive for HIV in the past five years and has questioned whether they are still working in the sex industry.

Health Minister Pete Hodgson said two prostitutes who had tested positive for HIV in the past five years were still working as prostitutes.

Another had also tested positive for HIV but had indicated she was no longer a sex worker. "One reported client has tested positive."