HC Deb 09 December 1954 vol 535 cc1088-9
3. Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in dealing with the problem of horror publications.

10. Mr. Collins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that children's care (school) committees are concerned at the harm done to children by horror comics; and if he is yet in a position to announce his proposals for stopping the sale of such comics in this country.

Major Lloyd-George

While they would much prefer to see the matter dealt with by other means, the Government have come to the conclusion that they must consider the possibility of introducing legislation with a view to protecting the youth of the country. If legislation is introduced, the Government are anxious that its application should be carefully restricted to the types of pictorial publication which have, rightly, aroused so much public concern in recent weeks, and this will present considerable difficulty in drafting. A further statement will be made as soon as possible.

Mr. Dodds

I thank the Home Secretary for his reply. A vast number of people see the difficulty of legislating on this matter. May we take it from the Home Secretary that every consideration has been given to the question of a test case?

Major Lloyd-George

All these various possibilities have been looked at. I have spent a considerable time considering them. It is a matter of the greatest difficulty. The hon. Gentleman can take it that we are determined to do something about the matter.

Mr. Collins

Will the Minister, before introducing the Bill to the House, seek the advice of people who have experience on school care committees and teachers' associations, and of others in direct contact with children; and will he also say how long it will be before he hopes to introduce the Bill?

Major Lloyd-George

I do not think that I can say more than "as soon as possible." Of course, I have been in touch with a tremendous number of bodies representing various associations concerned in this matter, and everything they have said will be taken very seriously into consideration.