HC Deb 24 October 1949 vol 468 cc1005-6
47. Mr. John E. Haire

asked the Lord President of the Council what action has been taken arising out of the recent Report of the Royal Commission on the Press.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

I do not think that there is anything which I can usefully add at present to my remarks in the Debate on 28th July, at the conclusion of which the House unanimously resolved that it would welcome all possible action on the part of the Press to give effect to the Commission's conclusions and recommendations. I understand from a statement issued to the Press that the Newspaper Proprietors' Association and the Newspaper Society have the Commission's recommendations under consideration, and no doubt the proprietors will make their intentions known as soon as possible.

Mr. Haire

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the growing concern being felt in the country at the increase in some of our daily and weekly newspapers of rumour-mongering, wild speculation, sex, sensationalism, and sheer lies, such as that which has been referred to today? Will he not take such steps as he can to urge the Press to set its own house in order?

Mr. Morrison

I have no doubt that the attention of the Press will be drawn to my hon. Friend's observations. I think all good journalists will take what he says into account.