HC Deb 02 August 1956 vol 557 cc1571-2
13. Mr. K. Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have taken place in connection with the sale and distribution of gramophone records of an undesirable character and under what statutory powers.

Mr. Deedes

The answer is "None" according to my information. It is a misdemeanour at common law to publish an obscene libel, and if any prosecution took place it would be for that offence.

Mr. Thompson

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a very great and very reprehensible traffic in very undesirable gramophone records in this country at the present time? If the police are not active in the matter, will he do something about stimulating them into doing something?

Mr. Deedes

My hon. Friend knows that the Secretary of State is not responsible for enforcing the law regarding obscene publications. Any question of prosecution or the initiation of proceedings for the destruction of obscene works is a matter for the police.