§ 19. Sir William Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the publication in the Press of photographs of convicts on their release from prison after serving often a long sentence, full particulars being given of the crime in respect of which they had been punished; and whether he will introduce legislation to stop this practice as it is an obstacle to a convict in making a fresh start.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI need hardly say that I greatly deplore publicity of this kind. The great majority of newspapers recognise the considerations to which my hon. Friend calls attention and avoid such publications, and there will I am sure be 2124 general agreement that this standard is to be commended and ought to be universal. I do not think that there is a case for legislation on this subject.
§ Sir W. DavisonDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that it is exceedingly unfair, when a man has paid the penalty of an offence, and is endeavouring to start life anew, that he should be pilloried, and the whole of his past life published, together with photographs showing his wife meeting him at the gate of the prison?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir, I agree with my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. BensonDoes not any newspaper which does anything of that kind lay itself open to heavy damages for libel?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am afraid I could not say, as I am not an authority on the complicated law of libel.