§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what studies have been (i) carried out and (ii) commissioned by his Department into the effectiveness of the enforcement of the current law on the availability of violent videos to children. [4464]
§ Mr. SackvilleWe are aware of no studies directed specifically at the effectiveness of the enforcement of the current law on the availability of violent videos to children. However, last year my right hon. and learned Friend commissioned research by the university of Birmingham into the effects of videos on the behaviour of young offenders. The results of the research are expected to be published in October 1997.
Earlier this month, in view of the considerable public concern about the level of violence portrayed in videos, my right hon. and learned Friend asked the British Board of Film Classification for a report on the action the board is taking now to reduce the level of violence in videos; the steps it is taking to assess the level of public concern over the issue of violence in videos; and how, for the future, the board plans to adapt its processes and approach to continue properly to discharge its duties under the Video Recordings Act 1984. The report is expected next month.