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Lads' mags restriction dismissed More talks over lads' mags agreed
(about 12 hours later)
Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill is to dismiss calls to restrict the display of so-called "lads' mags" on newsagent shelves. The Scottish government has agreed to further discussion with MSPs over calls to restrict the display of so-called "lads' mags" on newsagent shelves.
Scottish Women Against Pornography said the publications featured sexually graphic images and should be "screen sleeved" away from children's eyes.Scottish Women Against Pornography said the publications featured sexually graphic images and should be "screen sleeved" away from children's eyes.
The organisation said some tabloid newspapers should be treated the same. But Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill told MSPs clear evidence was needed on the extent of the problem.
But Mr MacAskill will tell MSPs looking at the call there is a code of practice currently in place that works. Holyrood's petitions committee is considering the restriction calls.
Children's publications The Scottish government has remained unconvinced of the need for a government crackdown, saying it would cost extra cash to enforce.
The Scottish Parliament's petitions committee is considering calls from Scottish Women Against Pornography for ministers to introduce and enforce measures to ensure magazines and newspapers containing sexually graphic images are covered and not displayed at children's eye-level or beside children's publications. 'Existing scheme'
Scottish ministers said the display of obscene or indecent material, such as pornographic magazines, was already restricted by law and argued restrictions over lesser material did not clearly justify government intervention, which would cost extra cash to enforce. Ministers have also pointed out the National Federation of Retail Newsagents had drawn up a voluntary code of practice and they were unaware of any evidence that a large numbers of newsagents ignored it.
Mr MacAskill, who is due to appear before the committee, will tell MSPs the National Federation of Retail Newsagents had drawn up a voluntary code of practice and that ministers are unaware of any evidence that a large numbers of newsagents ignore it. Mr MacAskill told the committee on Tuesday it would be naive to suggest there was 100% adherence to the scheme.
Scotland's children's commissioner, Tam Baillie, will also be questioned by the committee on the issue. "What we require to work out is, what is the extent of the problem, what is the basis of the information we have, which clearly has to be more than anecdotal, and what then is the solution," he said.
"Is it improving the existing scheme, or is it legislation and that's a matter that we're more than happy to discuss and engage on with the committee."
The display of obscene or indecent material, such as pornographic magazines, is already restricted by law.