20 OCTOBER 1928, Page 3

The police already have wide powers, and if these are

not used enough they ought to be. It may be said, however, that the pace is being forced in immoral writing, and that within a few years decent publishers will find it difficult to compete with the conscienceless publishers. We should suggest for consideration in that event the idea of some kind of permissive censorship. There might be a Consultative Committee to which an author could submit his book if he pleased. If he did submit it and it was passed he might be safe for all practical purposes. But if he did not he would expose himself to all the risks of the law, which need not then show any mercy as in a doubtful case.

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