§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that in the enforcement of the Obscene Publications Act adequate distinction is made by law enforcement officers between frivolous and inherently offensive publications, or those obviously promoted solely or predominantly for financial gain of their owners, on the one hand, and, on the other, those containing articles and correspondence of a serious minded character, mindful of the fact that the present court rules do not permit the provision of evidence of the therapeutic character of such items in court proceedings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesEnforcement of the Obscene Publications Acts is a matter for the chief officer of police for the area concerned, in consultation as necessary with the Director of Public Prosecutions. Chief officers have been advised to consult the director at an early stage whenever it is suspected that offences are being committed by the commercial publication of books or magazines.
§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that the training of police officers includes a sufficient element of sex education so as to enable them to perform their duties of seizure or initiation of prosecution in relation to alleged offences under the Obscene Publications Act.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI am satisfied that adequate training is given to the police on appropriate action to take in cases of alleged offences under the Obscene Publications Acts.
§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total cost to the taxpayer to date in terms of the legal expenditure and police manpower involved in the prosecution of alleged offences under the provisions of 404W sections 2 and 3 of the Obscene Publications Act.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThis information is not recorded separately, and could not be obtained except at disproportionate cost.