§ MR. S. SMITH (Flintshire)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been drawn to an article in The British Weekly, of the 16th of March, wherein it is stated that—
There is a grossly indecent literature published in London, but this, as a rule, is very expensive, and only within the reach of wealthy sensualists. A 5s. magazine was till recently published monthly, in which was one coloured picture and vilely indecent letterpress. … What is alarming under this head is the portentous development of translations from French novels. …. The most respectable journals have inserted, and still insert, advertisements of these books. …. When these books first appeared, in a somewhat expensive form, some well-known City bookshops practically did business for a time in nothing else. Now they are being reprinted in cheap forms, and in a little time, we have no doubt, they will be universally circulated over Britain. …. It is significant that they are to be had in the most respectable booksellers' shops;and, whether he is prepared to take adequate steps for the suppression of the sale of such indecent and corrupting literature?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.), in reply, said, he had consulted the Commissioner of the City Police, and was informed by him that since July last, when the hon. Member asked a similar Question, he had been unable to discover any new publication, or any circulation, that could legitimately be the subject of prosecution. The police of the City and of the Metropolis were fully alive to their duty in this respect; and, under the existing law, they had obtained convictions in a considerable 1222 number of cases. If the hon. Member would direct his (Mr. Matthews') attention to any particular case he would do all in his power to secure an enforcement of the law.