HC Deb 07 June 1934 vol 290 cc1059-60
10. Sir REGINALD BLAKER

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain newspapers recently published a photograph of Leonard Rowland Hill, stating that he was suspected of having fired at and wounded a police officer near Worthing, and made public the fact that this man had previously been convicted of other offences; whether the information as to such previous convictions was obtained from the police authority; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent in future the disclosure by the police of such information which is likely to prejudice the fair trial of accused persons?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have seen an issue of one paper in which information was given of a previous conviction of this man. I am informed on inquiry that this information was not supplied to the Press by the police. The police authorities are careful not to supply such information to the Press for the reason to which my hon. Friend calls attention.

Sir R. BLAKER

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring to the notice of the Press how undesirable it is that this information should be disclosed?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I think the answer I have given in this House will do that.

Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

Will he consider the advisability of excluding altogether any reference to previous convictions?