HC Deb 02 February 1978 vol 943 cc271-2W
30. Mr. Fry

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek powers to prevent the importation of literature into the United Kingdom which could aid terrorists and adversely influence immature minds.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The distribution of material which incites crimes is a criminal offence. I am not convinced that the taking of broad powers to censor publications would make an effective practical contribution to the prevention of terrorism or other anti-social activities, such as drug abuse. I have sometimes noted that the effect of literature has not only been on immature minds.