HL Deb 30 January 1973 vol 338 c579WA
LORD FERRIER

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will state what proposals the Secretary of State for Scotland has in mind to augment the laws of Scotland concerning pornography by implementing the Government's intentions outlined for England and Wales by the Viscount Colville of Culross in his speech on November 29, and whether they will promote a Bill on the lines of the draft set out on pages 401/5 of the Report of the Longford Committee; and if not, why not.

THE MINISTER OF STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (LORD POLWARTH)

My right honourable friend shares the concern about the public display of indecent material which was expressed during the debate in the House on November 29. A Working Party has been reviewing some aspects of the law on this subject in England and Wales, and the Secretary of State will consider the implications for Scotland of any recommendations they may make. On the wider issue he does not consider that the proposals contained in the Longford Report, so far as they seek to redefine the test of obscenity under Scots law, would form a satisfactory basis for legislation.