§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions under the provisions of the Obscene Publications Act during the past 12 months resulted in convictions; in how many cases fines were imposed following conviction; how many cases resulted in acquittals; and in how many cases where acquittals occurred costs were awarded to acquitted defendants.
§ Mr. JohnIn 1977, the latest year for which figures are available, 141 defendants were found guilty in England and Wales of offences under the Obscene Publications Acts 1959 and 1964; 89 of these offenders were fined. In 1977, 44 defendants were acquitted of offences under these Acts. Information on the192W awarding of costs to those acquitted is not available.
§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many identical publications have been prosecuted for alleged offences under the Obscene Publications Acts in more than one court during the past 10 years in England and Wales; in how many cases different courts brought in verdicts of acquittal and of conviction in respect of the same publication; and in how many cases those acquitted have been refused their costs.
§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library any memorandum or guidance notes that may exist for the assistance of police officers engaged on duties that involve the perusal of supposedly pornographic material with a view to the possible institution of prosecution or forfeiture proceedings under the provisions of the Obscene Publications Act
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesSome advice to chief officers of police is contained in paragraph 2.2d of the Home Office consolidated circular to the police on crime and kindred matters, of which there is already a copy in the Library of the House. Operational guidance to the police is a matter for the chief officer of police for the area concerned.