HC Deb 17 December 1953 vol 522 cc100-1W
106. Mr. H. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the maximum penalties which can be inflicted upon a person who prints, exhibits or sells obscene or indecent books, pictures or picture postcards; whether he is aware that such penalties are not sufficient to deter offenders; and if he will introduce amending legislation to increase them.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

Publishing, exhibiting or selling any indecent or obscene book, writing, picture, or model, or any other indecent or obscene article or thing, constitutes an indictable misdemeanour at common law, which is punishable on summary conviction by a fine of £100 or six months' imprisonment or both, and on indictment by such fine or imprisonment or both as the court in its discretion thinks fit. I have no reason to think that the existing penalties are inadequate or that amending legislation is necessary.