§ 47. Mr. Platts-Millsasked the Attorney-General whether the Porter Committee set up to consider amendments to the law of libel and slander has now completed the draft of its report; and when His Majesty's Government propose to publish it.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Hartley Shawcross)I regret that owing to unavoidable difficulty in 'convoking a meeting of the Committee for the purposes, the draft report has not yet been settled in its final form. It is hoped that this will be done soon and the Report will then be published.
Mr. Wilson HarrisIs it likely that the Chairman of this Committee is familiar with the saying:
It is better to travel hopefully than to arrive"?
§ Sir Stanley ReedWill the Attorney-General take into consideration the fact that this matter has been under investigation by this Committee since 1938? Periodically for the last two years we have been promised a report, and if it is possible publication should be expedited.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am sure the hon. Member will understand that there has been considerable difficulty in securing the attendance of all the members of this Committee, many of whom are engaged on very important work. The immediate delay has been the result of the fact that one member whose presence is essential to the final settlement of the report is abroad on important duties, but it is hoped that he will be back very shortly and the report will then be presented.