§ 28. Mr. Hamlingasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has completed consideration of the naturist magazines seized from Mr. Jack Gray, the publisher; why they were seized in view of the fact that they are on sale throughout London; and when he will return them.
§ Mr. TaverneThese particular magazines were seized and condemned as being within the statutory prohibition on 1152 the importation of obscene articles, and they have now been destroyed.
§ Mr. HamlingIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that magazines of this sort are on sale all over London, and all over the country? Why pick on this importer? This matter has cost him several thousands of £s. Having seen the magazines, and similar ones, I cannot see that these harmless magazines do anyone any harm.
§ Mr. TaverneThe reason they were seized and condemned was that they were of a kind similar to those which have been condemned by the courts as obscene. There may be similar magazines on sale which have escaped the Customs. If my hon. Friend would like to send them to me, I shall look at them.