HC Deb 18 December 1969 vol 793 cc1538-9
27. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to amend the Obscene Publications Act.

Mr. Callaghan

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor) on 15th December.—[Vol. 793, c. 247.]

Mr. Gresham-Cooke

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that a lot of pornographic literature is going through the post at present? If he does, will he do something about it? Has he seen the extraordinary card issued by the Labour Party which says, Darling, now we are 18 we can do something we have always wanted to do?

Mr. Callaghan

I do not think that that is pornographic, except in the hon. Gentleman's mind. If he would like me to supply a series of these cards to his Young Conservatives, I shall be very happy to oblige.

On the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question, the more serious part, because this is a serious matter, I agree that there is a great deal of pornographic literature being distributed at the moment. The Director of Public Prosecutions has instituted proceedings, or is about to, in connection with a recent book.

Mr. Arthur Davidson

Is it not a fact that the Obscene Publications Act is not working properly at all? Is it not the case that prosecutions appear to be launched against books of at least arguable artistic merit, whereas pamphlets and magazines which have no merit other than that of titillation seem to escape it? Will my right hon. Friend look into the matter again?

Mr. Callaghan

I am not a lawyer. I read what the lawyers say to me about this matter, and I fully accept that the attempts which they and the House made in 1959 and 1964 have not been very satisfactory. If they would like to have another go at it, I should be happy to co-operate, but they have not made much of a fist of it so far.

Mr. Deedes

Has the right hon. Gentleman observed the strange conversion of Doctor Spock on this subject?

Mr. Callaghan

I read what he said, and I find myself in agreement with him.