§ 63. Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to a statement by Sir Theobald Mathew, the Director of Public Prosecutions, concerning the increase of sadistic literature directed to the young, and about such publications imported from the United States of America and Canada; and whether he will issue revised instructions to the Metropolitan Police on the need for prosecuting such publications.
§ Mr. EdeYes. My attention has been drawn to this statement, and I have been in communication with the Director of Public Prosecutions. I understand that the statement was made in the course of an informal address, and in being taken from its context it has perhaps received more prominence than the circumstances warrant It is not within my province to issue directions as to prosecutions but I am bringing the Director's views to the notice of the Commissioner of Police.