HC Deb 04 June 1924 vol 174 c1249
76. Mr. FOOT

asked the Attorney-General if he has yet received the opinion of the highest judicial authorities as to the desirability of continuing the exceptional privilege of reply exercised by law officers of the Crown in criminal prosecutions?

The ATTORNEY - GENERAL

The answer to this question is in the affirmative. The opinion conveyed to me is that in the view of the highest judicial authorities it is not desirable to introduce any alteration in the existing system. I may add that as far as I am concerned I do not intend to make use of the privilege except in cases where I am satisfied that it is essential to do so in the public interest.