§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the light of the judgment of the European Court in the Conegate case, case 121/85, and the abandonment of the case against Gay's The Word bookshop, he intends to introduce legislation to amend the law on the prohibition of the importation of indecent or obscene articles; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeIn the light of the judgment of the European Court, Customs and Excise will apply the import prohibition on indecent or obscene articles in line with relevant domestic legislation, both in respect of imports from the European Community and those from elsewhere. Whether United Kingdom legislation requires amendment will be considered in the light of experience of the new arrangements.