HC Deb 15 March 1965 vol 708 cc216-7W
Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he is aware of the widespread display for public sale of paper-back publications carrying sensational and suggestive cover illustrations; and whether he will take steps to curtail this type of publicity as contrary to the public interest;

(2) whether he will seek to prohibit the use of paper-back publication covers except for information concerning title, author, and publishers, or other material wording necessary to identify the contents of the publication.

Mr. George Thomas

My right hon. Friend is aware that publications of the kind described are displayed for sale. In his view the Obscene Publications Acts, 1959 and 1964, suffice to deal with the commercial publication of obscene matter, and he has no reason to think that further restrictions are desirable.