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MSPs to extend sex imagery probe Sex imagery probe may be extended
(about 12 hours later)
MSPs are to extend their investigation into claims of the use of sexual imagery in goods aimed at children. MSPs are considering extending their probe into the use of sexual imagery in goods aimed at children.
Holyrood's Equal Opportunities Committee has expressed serious concern about inappropriate merchandise being targeted at youngsters. Holyrood's Equal Opportunities Committee has expressed serious concern about inappropriate merchandise being targeted at under-16s.
MSPs are now looking into commissioning external research to gain more of an insight into the issue.
Adult publisher Playboy, which puts its logo on products such as pencil cases, was one company to be singled out.Adult publisher Playboy, which puts its logo on products such as pencil cases, was one company to be singled out.
MSPs are considering several options, including commissioning external research. The committee last year heard claims about the availability of items, such as provocative children's T-shirt logos and high-heel slip-on shoes for babies.
The move is expected after the committee last year heard anecdotal claims about the availability of items, such as provocative children's T-shirt logos and high-heel slip-on shoes for babies. Refused invite
Liberal Democrat MSP Hugh O'Donnell said the concerns were anecdotal and the extent of public concern had to be established.
Nationalist MSP Sandra White added: "We do need more research. I think there is some evidence to show that the goods we're talking about do sexualise children."
But former minister Malcolm Chisholm, a Labour MSP, questioned whether the Scottish Government would be able to act on the outcome of any further research.
He added: "My instinct is not to go forward with this."
Several retailers have so far refused to give evidence to the committee on the issue, while Playboy has firmly rejected accusations that such merchandise was knowingly aimed at children.Several retailers have so far refused to give evidence to the committee on the issue, while Playboy has firmly rejected accusations that such merchandise was knowingly aimed at children.
MSPs are considering a number of ways to further investigate the concerns. The Scottish Retail Consortium said the issue was aimed more at the manufacturing and advertising sectors.
They also include taking evidence from young people and parents - and may agree to a private meeting with retailers and industry representatives if they remained reluctant to appear before the committee.
The Scottish Retail Consortium, which rejected an invite to appear before MSPs, said the issue was aimed more at the manufacturing and advertising sectors.