HC Deb 24 July 1940 vol 363 cc822-3W
Sir J. Lucas

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will now take powers to prohibit sending through the post in unsealed envelopes, literature or leaflets dealing with or advertising sexual matters, which are open to strong doubt and criticism, and which should not be permitted to fall into the hands of children; and whether he is aware of the strong religious feeling on the subject and of the anxiety caused to parents by this method of distribution?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

The question of placing legal restrictions on the publication and distribution of the class of literature or leaflets to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers is primarily one for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs, whose Department has, I understand, given the subject close attention. The subject is a highly controversial one which would have to be dealt with as a matter of general legislation and I am not prepared to initiate restrictive legislation which would apply to distribution by post only.