HC Deb 01 November 1948 vol 457 c513
46. Sir Stanley Reed

asked the Prime Minister what measures will be taken to implement the recommendations of the Porter Committee for the amendment of the law of defamation.

The Prime Minister

The Government have not yet considered which of the recommendations of the Committee ought, in their view, to be adopted, but it is clear that many of them could only be carried out by legislation. In view of the legislative programme for this Session, I cannot hold out any hope that a Bill could be prepared for the purpose this Session. My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor proposes to invite the Supreme Court Rule Committee to consider those recommendations relating to practice and procedure which could be carried out without legislation.

Sir S. Reed

Will the Prime Minister consider introducing the amending legislation in another place where there is so much legal experience available for consideration of this highly technical point?

The Prime Minister

That might be taken into consideration.

Mr. S. Silverman

Would my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of finding some time to enable this Report to be debated by the House of Commons before any action is taken upon it?

The Prime Minister

That question should be put to the Leader of the House.