§ 32. Mr. Bairdasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what inquiry is currently being conducted into the working of the vice squad of the Metropolitan Police in the West End.
§ Mr. RentonAllegations of corruption against officers of the Metropolitan Police in connection with the sale of pornographic literature were fully investigated towards the end of last year and found to be baseless. During the course of the investigation, it came to light that one officer, not engaged in this particular work, might have been guilty of neglect of duty, not involving corruption. This case is now the subject of formal disciplinary procedure.
§ Mr. BairdIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that, even since the beginning of this year, people have been called to Scotland Yard to give evidence? Is he also aware that the police have been much too lenient with these shops that sell pornographic pictures? Is he also aware that London is now the centre for the production of these pictures, that buyers come from all over the country, and indeed, all over Europe, to so-called auction sales at which they buy these pictures in bulk, and that the amount of money involved in this sale of filth runs into hundreds of thousands of pounds per year?
§ Mr. RentonIn answer to the first part of the supplementary question, of course people are called to Scotland Yard very frequently in order to see whether they are able to assist the police. In answer to the second part, the question of sentences is a matter for the courts. In answer to the third part, if the hon. Gentleman cares to let us have 625 any information which is in his possession, we shall study it with care and interest.