HC Deb 22 May 1952 vol 501 cc660-1
33. Mr. W. T. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the disturbing increase in the number of comics offered for sale which depict cruelty, crime and obscenity, what action he proposes to take to make illegal the sale of such literature, so harmful to children.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I share the dislike of the hon. Member for this type of vulgar publication, but I have no evidence that delinquency or increased susceptibility to delinquency results from the circulation of this matter. I am, however, considering, in consultation with my right hon. Friends the President of the Board of Trade and the Minister of Education, whether any and, if so, what, action is called for on our part.

Mr. J. Crowder

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that in various courts it has been suggested that these comic strips do a tremendous amount of harm? I have had many letters from my constituents and I hope that the Home Secretary will do something to stop their publication and, in conjunction with the President of the Board of Trade, their importation. The position has become very serious and people are very worried about it.

Mr. Williams

Is the Minister aware that, in addition to a spate of the most vicious comics from the United States, it is the growing practice of English publishers to publish comics of this kind? Large numbers have come on to the market in the last few months. Is the Minister also aware that the National Union of Teachers are desperately concerned about this matter and that the Canadian Government have been so concerned about it as to introduce a one-Clause Bill to make the sale of these comics illegal? In view of all this evidence will he consider doing the same thing here, because these things are very damaging?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

The matter is under consideration between the Departments I have mentioned. I will certainly take into account what the hon. Member has said.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Can my right hon. and learned Friend say at what stage either crime or obscenity becomes comic?

Mr. Ede

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman circulate chief officers of police, drawing their attention to their existing powers for dealing with this matter?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I will certainly consider that point.