HC Deb 10 November 1938 vol 341 cc276-8
18. Captain Plugge

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the tendency on the part of various branches of the judiciary to exclude reporters from different courts while certain cases are under consideration, he will set investigations on foot to ascertain whether, in all such recent cases which have occurred, the judicial authorities concerned are acting in accordance with the law?

Sir S. Hoare

My attention has not been drawn to any cases in which reporters have been excluded from court proceedings in contravention of the law, but if my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind certain cases in which reporters have been excluded from the preliminary investigations of indictable cases by examining magistrates, the position as I am advised is that when justices are making such a preliminary investigation for the purpose of determining whether or not a defendant should be committed for trial, they are not required to sit in open court though it is the practice for them to do so. In my view they should not sit in private save in exceptional cases such as those in which they are satisfied that publicity given to these preliminary proceedings will prejudice the ends of justice.

Captain Plugge

Will my right hon. Friend kindly investigate any specific case brought to his notice by the bodies representing journalists?

Sir S. Hoare

I will, of course, take into account any facts brought to my notice by responsible bodies or responsible individuals. Whether even in that case I should have any jurisdiction is another matter.

Mr. Day

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his consent was obtained before a reporter was refused permission to see a charge sheet from which a defendant's name had been taken out and the number 35 A inserted instead?

Sir S. Hoare

I could not possibly answer a supplementary question of that kind without further details.

22. Captain Plugge

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the inadequate accommodation for reporters in some of the London police courts; who is responsible for the provision of such accommodation; and whether he can make suitable representations to such responsible authorities for the improvement of working conditions?

Sir S. Hoare

The provision of these courts is a charge on the Metropolitan Police Fund. Most of the Metropolitan police courts were constructed many years ago and, as was pointed out by the recent Departmental Committee, the accommodation is in many respects inadequate for modern needs. A building programme has been adopted and I hope that within the next few years substantial progress will be made with the reconstruction of these courts. In this connection the need for improved accommodation for representatives of the Press will not be overlooked. The question of the provision of any accommodation additional to that specially reserved for the Press is one for the magistrates at each court. I am having inquiry made as to the general arrangements in this respect throughout the Metropolitan police courts.

Mr. Macquisten

Is it not possible to make a charge, so that the reporters could contribute to the fees which the unfortunate litigants have to pay?

23. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the published complaint of the Metropolitain police magistrate who sits at the South-western police court, that he is persistently misreported in the Press in carrying out his judicial duties; that complaints have been made by representatives of the Press as to their treatment by the said magistrate; and whether, in the interests of the administration of justice, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Sir S. Hoare

The first part of the question relates to a protest with which all public speakers will sympathise against a practice adopted by some newspapers of giving misleading impressions by headlines and by methods of selection and compression. The second part of the question relates, apparently, to the difficulty experienced at this court, as at others, of finding sufficient and suitable accommodation for Press representatives. As I have just stated, special attention is being given to this matter.