MSPs yesterday called for further research into the prominence of sexual imagery on goods aimed at children amid concerns the issue may have been hyped up.

Holyrood's equal opportunities committee is worried that merchandise such as Playboy pencil cases can be inappropriately aimed at under-16s.

Having heard from academics and children's campaigners, the committee has asked for advice on how any research might be conducted. Politicians yesterday differed not only on the extent of the problem, but whether one actually existed.

Sandra White SNP said children were being "sexualised" by exposure to goods, but Hugh O'Donnell of the LibDems said evidence of a serious problem was lacking.

Ms White said: "I think there is some evidence to show that the goods we're talking about do sexualise children."

But Mr O'Donnell said: "I have to say my constituency mailbag hasn't been jammed with concern about that."