§ Dr. Robert Spink (Castle Point)I present a petition from more than 350,000 people. We see laid in front of us evidence of the massive public concern about the growth of pornography. The terms of the petition are that
urgent Government action is required to outlaw pornography. Because obscene and pornographic material, produced in Britain and abroad, is freely available on a scale as never before. The present Obscene Publications Act 1959 can control only the most extreme material. Because sex crime escalates children are increasingly at risk of being sexually abused and even murdered.We the undersigned believe that the circulation of obscene and pornographic material is harmful to all members of society, especially to women and children.Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House call upon Her Majesty's Government to strengthen British Law against pornography and press for similar reform in the European Community without delay.And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. I beg leave to present the petition.
§ To lie upon the Table.