§ 34. Mr. CROSSLEYasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of recent cases where magistrates have bound over first offenders with the express purpose of enabling them to regain their self-respect and reform themselves, and where their object in so doing has been defeated by sensational Press reports, he will introduce legislation to enable magistrates or county court judges at their discretion to forbid the publication of evidence in cases where their verdict is to bind over an offender not to offend again?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, there are in the Children and Young Persons Act of 1933 provisions for the protection of children and young persons on the lines which he sug- 193 gests As regards older offenders, I recognise that indiscreet Press reports may make it more difficult for a first offender to rehabilitate himself, and it is very desirable that those responsible for reporting criminal cases in the Press should bear this point in mind. While, however, the need for proper discretion on the part of the Press is fully recognised, it would be contrary to the principle which has hitherto been regarded as fundamental in our jurisprudence to give justices a power to prevent the publication of information about their proceedings in dealing with offenders other than children and young persons. In many cases it is desirable that the public should know the reasons which have prompted the Court to deal leniently with an offender.
§ Mr. CROSSLEYWould not the fundamental principle to which my right hon. Friend refers be adequately safeguarded by the publication of the findings of the court and the holding of the trial in open court, and not by sensational Press reports?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThat no doubt would make a narrower limit, but, of course, it would necessitate legislation, for which there is no opportunity at the present time.
§ Mr. CROSSLEYOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.