Is a crackdown on porn a Tory vote winner?

THE best election pledge I have come across so far is the Prime Minister’s promise to put in place age controls for online pornography. Surely it is logical that the same rules apply online as offline. Society must not fail in its duty to protect our young from experiences which will damage their subsequent lives. Sites that will not shut down must suffer significant financial penalties.

DAVID PRINGLE, address supplied. In TIMES of decline in moral standards, it is refreshing to read that the Conservatives are committed to shielding children from easy access to hard-core online pornography if they win the election next month. With computers and technology absorbing so much of our time and interest, how vital it is that Government and those in positions of responsibility take action to protect children from accessing material which damages for life. The Tories’ promise is to be applauded.

DAVID THEWLIS, Farnworth, Widnes. It is only too easy to perform two clicks on a computer and come across material that can scar for life. Our precious children deserve protection from sick literature. We are responsible to care for them so that they grow up with a right moral understanding. Prevention is better than cure and any effort by government to maintain decent standards against the rising tide of evil is to be welcomed.

BILL SWINDELL, Shavington, Crewe. FIRST, it should not be old-fashioned to expect parents to be responsible for their children. But one must remember that there are irresponsible parents and to protect youngsters, the rest of us should be prepared for limits to our freedom for the sake of these vulnerable children. On such an important subject, it surprises me why our politicians are not asked more questions about internet porn.

JOHN CONNOR, Dunfermline, Fife.