HC Deb 18 February 1926 vol 191 cc2116-7
45. Sir LESLIE SCOTT

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that reports in the Press, pretending to disclose actual facts about the intentions of a Royal Commission in regard to its findings or recommendations in advance of any authorised Report, may, in some circumstances, be prejudicial to the public interest, he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation making such an unauthorised publication an offence cognisable in the King's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice, at the instance or with the leave of His Majesty's Attorney-General, the offence and procedure being treated on lines analogous to contempt of court?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am obliged for my hon. and learned Friend's suggestion, which is having my consideration; but my hon. and learned Friend will realise that there are many difficulties involved in legislation of the nature indicated.