§ 39. Mr. Lubbockasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why officers of the Metropolitan Police visited the home of Mr. Tony Smythe, General Secretary of the National Council for Civil Liberties, at eight o'clock in the morning of Friday, 23rd January.
§ 40. Mr. Peter M. Jacksonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representation he has received and what replies he has sent in connection with the visit by officers of the Metropolitan Police, Obscene Publications Division, to the home of Mr. Tony Smythe, General Secretary of the National Council of Civil Liberties, on Friday, 23rd January.
§ Mr. CallaghanI am told that this visit, which took place at 8.20 a.m., was made by the request of the Director of Public Prosecutions following the submission to him of material addressed to Mr. Smythe from Denmark which had been intercepted in the post. The Director considered that the circumstances called for investigation, and the police were finding out on his behalf whether Mr. Smythe had any information about how it came about that the literature was addressed to him. I have now been informed by my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General that in the whole of the 379W circumstances proceedings are not to be instituted in this case. I have received sixteen letters about this visit, including three from hon. Members and one from a noble Lord, and a request for a deputation.