HC Deb 31 July 1980 vol 989 cc1706-7
1. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many representations he has received in reply to the consultative document on the "Report of the Committee on Obscenity and Film Censorship", Cmnd 7772.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Leon Brittan)

We have so far received about 1,150 letters commenting on the report, though not all of these were in direct response to the consultative document.

Mr. Knox

Since the Williams committee found that the present laws were a mess, will my hon. and learned Friend agree that early legislation is necessary? While I appreciate that he has not had time to examine all the representations that have been made, does he anticipate that legislation will be introduced in the next Session of Parliament?

Mr. Brittan

No, Sir.

Mr. Sever

Does the Minister accept that the legislation that I believe is sought by the hon. Member for Leek (Mr. Knox) is long overdue and that those in the entertainment and film industries are looking to the Government to give them further guidance?

Mr. Brittan

I accept that there is concern about this subject, but I think it would be right for us to complete our consideration of the comments on the Williams report.

Mr. Stokes

Will my hon. and learned Friend reject the findings of the committee, redefine pornography and then make publication of all pornographic material illegal?

Mr. Brittan

Not until we have finished considering the report.

Mr. Beith

How can there be any coherent policy on pornographic films when large quantities of the material now seized by the police are circulated by the Director of Public Prosecutions to mental hospitals? This includes material depicting sexual acts involving children. Can the Minister give an assurance that he has issued no circulars or advice to chief constables to deter them from inquiring into cases of this kind?

Mr. Brittan

I am not conscious of any such circulars.