asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the seizure by the customs authorities of the novel The Dark by John McGahern.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Customs Seizure of Novel.
7.
The book referred to was detained by an officer of customs and excise, in accordance with subsection (1) of section 5 of the Censorship of Publications Act, 1946, for reference to the Censorship Board for examination as it was, in his opinion, a book which ought to be examined by the Board under the Act. The book has not, therefore, been seized by the customs authorities; they will be guided by the decision of the Board as soon as it is received.
Will the Minister state if the book was in actual fact read by the customs officer, before its seizure?
That would hardly be physically possible but under the subsection I have quoted, a customs officer may at any time, on the importation of a book, refer it to the Censorship Board. He may do so if he considers that any book ought to be examined by the Board under the Act. He is not required, in advance, to read the book. That requirement is for the Censorship Board.
Will every new book which arrives in the country be held by the customs officer?
Not necessarily.
How does he tell that this is suspect?
I am sure the customs officer does not live in the clouds.
How could he form an opinion, without reading the book?
The first sight is very often a great help.