HC Deb 06 May 1964 vol 694 cc1255-6
1. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Minister without Portfolio if he will introduce legislation to formalise the procedure of the Press Council, and in particular, to permit individuals to state their defence before a decision is made; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister without Portfolio (Mr. W. F. Deedes)

No, Sir.

Mr. Stratton Mills

Is not the present position unsatisfactory? Has my right hon. Friend looked into the case of Mr. Clement Freud, against whom a complaint was lodged following an article in the Sunday Telegraph? Has my right hon. Friend seen Mr. Freud's letter in the Sunday Telegraph on 22nd March, in which he said that the complaint was adjudicated upon without his knowledge, in his absence, without the possi- bility of representations being made at the hearing and with no right of appeal? While welcoming the extension of the powers of the Press Council, may I ask my right hon. Friend to look at this again with a view to formalising the position, otherwise journalists' professional reputations can be severely harmed by this form of Star Chamber procedure?

Mr. Deedes

The Press Council has a well-established procedure for receiving complaints and calling for any oral evidence that it requires without legal representation. Generally speaking, the House has approved this form of Press Council—that is to say, a voluntary rather than a statutory council. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, I am willing to forward to the Council any details which he may let me have.

Mr. M. Foot

Is it not the case that the House has never given any support to a procedure whereby a person against whom a complaint is made shall not be allowed to appear before the Press Council to put his case? The House of Commons would not tolerate that kind of procedure. It never occurred to anyone in this House that such a thing would arise. Is the right hon. Gentleman willing to say that, if there were any repetition of this kind of case, he would think it necessary to consider further legislation or other action?

Mr. Deedes

The House discussed the general kind of Press Council it thought desirable and this was the general conclusion it reached. If there is a particular case of this kind, I will see that it is brought to the attention of the Council.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Will my right hon. Friend bring this matter to the attention of the very eminent Chairman of the Press Council, because I am sure that the Chairman would be very seized of these matters which are worrying the House?

Mr. Deedes

Yes. I fully endorse that reference to the Chairman.