HC Deb 04 March 1954 vol 524 cc1333-4
5. Mr. G. Craddock

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, pending his consideration of the general question of the law relating to sexual offences, he will introduce temporary legislation to safeguard public morale by preventing the publication by the Press of gross and unnecessary details in cases of homosexuality.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I will bear in mind the hon. Member's suggestion in my consideration of the general question, but I am not at present in a position to add anything to my reply to the Question which the hon. Member asked on 18th February.

Mr. Craddock

I should like to press this matter by asking the right hon. and learned Gentleman if he does not think that we should have without delay some public protection against dissemination in the newspapers of the innermost secrets of people, as suggested in the Question? Does he not think that this is a most urgent matter?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I agree that it is a matter of great importance, but there are always two aspects which have to be carefully considered. One is the rights of the persons concerned, and the other the due and public administration of the law.

Sir T. Moore

As this Question implies general criticism of the Press, could we have the names of these newspapers who reveal these gross details?

Mr. Speaker

That is a question that cannot be asked of the Minister.

Mr. Hastings

Does the Home Secretary realise how much we are all influenced by what we read in the papers, and that that specially affects people of slightly subnormal mental capacity, because what they read tends to influence their actions, not only for good but for evil?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

Yes, I do realise that, and I should like the House to know that I realise its importance in relation to this subject matter; but the public administration of the courts of law is also one of the most important principles in our country, and I must have due regard to that.

9. Lieut-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the result of his consideration of the law relating to homosexuality; and what action he proposes to take.

12. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding his inquiry into the laws relating to homosexuality.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I will make a statement when I am in a position to do so.

Lieut-Colonel Lipton

Is the Home Secretary aware that the Magistrates' Association, the British Medical Association and the Church of England Moral Welfare Council put forward well-considered and constructive proposals in this matter to help to remove some of the anomalies and irrational humbug which surround certain aspects of the law in this regard?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I have naturally considered the proposals. I am not going to follow the hon. and gallant Gentleman into his adjectival denunciations on the subject.

Mr. Donnelly

Can the Home Secretary give us some idea of the nature and extent of his Departmental inquiry and why he has not gone into the matter further and recommended the setting up of a Royal Commission?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

It is difficult to give an answer to a general question like that. I prefer to ask the hon. Gentleman to wait a little longer. I assure him that I am considering the matter very carefully. It is not being pigeonholed.