asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the total number of (a) books whose circulation is prohibited under the Censorship of Publications Acts, (b) appeals to the Appeal Board in respect of prohibition Orders, and (c) successful appeals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Censorship of Publications Acts.
Mr. Costello
The total number of prohibition Orders in force in respect of books on 21st March, 1956, is 6,169. Appeals were made to the Appeal Board in respect of 355 prohibition Orders and the Orders were revoked in 274 cases.
Is the Minister aware that there is some dissatisfaction with the operation of the Act and in view of the recent comment of His Lordship the Bishop of Cork would he consider holding an inquiry into the matter?
That is a separate question.
I shall put down a question on the subject.