4 MARCH 1972, Page 17

Censorship

Sir: Bookbuyer solicitors opinions as to whether publishers should act as censors of books submitted to them (February 26). I believe this is an important aspect of the publishing role; personal taste or bias forms the character of individual publishers' lists. Although I am against state censorship I do believe that publishers have a duty to discard distasteful books or those that could harm teenagers. Adults cannot be perverted; adolescents can be.

Peter Owen 12 Kendrick Mews, Kendrick Place, Old Brompton Road, London, SW7