HC Deb 19 July 1985 vol 83 cc291-2W
Dame Jill Knight

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department keeps a record of cases in which a judge or court found that indulgence by the accused in pornographic material was a contributory factor in the commission by him or her of a sexual offence; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

My right hon. and learned Friend would naturally take careful account of any suggestion made to him by a judge or magistrate that pornographic material had contributed to the commission of an offence. Courts are not, however, required to reach findings concerning the factors which have led to an offence, or to announce any conclusion that they may reach. There is therefore no basis for the maintenance of a complete or accurate record.