HC Deb 28 June 1971 vol 820 cc28-9
37. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Attorney-General whether he will refer to the Director of Public Prosecutions for prosecution under the Obscene Publications Acts, 1959 and 1964, 24 paperback books published by Sexa Limited, a subsidiary of James Commercial Holdings Limited, on account of their obscene and pornographic character, being calculated to corrupt and deprave, a leaflet advertising which has been sent to him; and whether he will make a statement.

The Attorney-General

The Director of Public Prosecutions is already considering this circular and 53,000 books which have been seized from the premises of the company.

Sir G. Nabarro

I congratulate my right hon. and learned Friend most warmly upon his rapid action in dealing with this new menace in the field of pornography and obscenity. Would he recognise that there are special features of this exercise in paperback books which discredit all publishers of such paperbacks, and would he try to bring this case to the courts by appropriate prosecution at the earliest possible moment?

The Attorney-General

As the House will appreciate, in view of the terms of my original answer I am not prepared to comment on the matter which is before the House, but I have noted what my hon. Friend has said.

Mr. Bob Brown

I am sure that the House will have been delighted with the original answer, because the Julian Press publication which has received so much publicity looks like a church tract alongside this disgusting leaflet. Does the Attorney-General agree that, even before any question of prosecution arises, this firm might be well advised to take exactly the same course of action as Julian Press and restrict further publication?

The Attorney-General

I cannot add to what I have already told the House.

Mr. James Hill

I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for the Written Answer he gave me on Friday on this matter. It is not only books emanating from this firm that are obscene; there are also medical products which should receive the attention of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Attorney-General

I repeat that there is nothing that I can add to what I have already said.

Mr. Lipton

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that if he complies with all the advice he has been given by hon. Members the staff of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions will have to be doubled or trebled?