§ 33. Sir Stanley Reedasked the Prime Minister whether legislation will be introduced to give effect to the recommendations of the Porter Committee for the amendment of the law of libel.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)Effect has already been given to all the recommendations of the Committee relating to practice and procedure which can be dealt with by Rules of Court. I regret that I cannot hold out any hope that it will be possible to deal with the remaining recommendations during the lifetime of this Parliament.
§ Sir S. ReedHas the Prime Minister's attention been drawn to a declaration by a high legal authority as to the inequity of the present law and the desirability of amendment? Will he consider whether appropriate legislation could usefully be introduced in another place?
§ The Prime MinisterI have considered that matter, but I am afraid that the legislative programme in both Houses does not allow of that.