§ 25. Mr. G. H. Oliverasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many successful prosecutions have been instituted against publishers of obscene publications during the past 12 months.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeNineteen, Sir.
§ Mr. OliverIn view of that rather peculiar and indeed extraordinary reply, can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say what is the reluctance to institute proceedings against publishers of this stuff, having regard to the fact that they must read it before they publish it, while at the same time the retail newsagents 2547 and booksellers are being prosecuted almost weekly when they cannot possibly read the contents of all the stuff they sell?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeThe question of prosecution is a matter for the police, and the police will take proceedings in the cases they think right.
§ Mr. OliverIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied that the retailers are being treated fairly and the publishers not let off very lightly? Will he not make inquiries into this matter?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI am very willing to make inquiries but not willing to assume some one else's functions.
§ Brigadier O. L. Prior-PalmerIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware of the increase in the number of stalls selling this type of literature after a certain hour in the evening in London.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI hope my hon. and gallant Friend will give me the information.
§ Sir Hartley ShawcrossCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman give the figures as to the number of prosecutions of retailers for sales of obscene literature?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeThat is another question, but I will make inquiries.