HC Deb 27 January 1966 vol 723 cc371-2
5. Sir J. Hobson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now implement the intention which he announced on 21st January, 1965, to introduce legislation to implement the recommendations of the Tucker and Byrne Committees on restricting the reporting of committal proceedings; and when such legislation will be introduced.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I cannot at present say when it will be possible to introduce legislation to give effect to these Reports.

Sir J. Hobson

While noting that neither the Home Secretary nor his predecessor have been able to implement the promise given by his predecessor last February, may I suggest to the Home Secretary that the really urgent question is how we can save the time of the police and public in attending committal proceedings? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether a committal could not take place upon proofs of evidence instead of by the present elaborate procedure? Will he undertake to study the suggestions of some of my hon. Friends which are to be published?

Mr. Jenkins

Yes. I am extremely anxious to make progress in this matter. It should be borne in mind that the Tucker Report was published as long ago as eight years.

Mr. Crawshaw

Would my right hon. Friend also bear in mind that, with the more extensive reporting of the prosecution case, particularly the more lurid type of case, it is becoming more and more unfair towards the accused person and it is also becoming much more difficult to empanel a jury which does not come to court with preconceived ideas as to the guilt of the person concerned?

Mr. Jenkins

I am fully aware of this problem, and this is why my predecessor spoke as he did in January last year. I hope that we can deal with this matter in some way or other shortly.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that about four four years ago the Home Office gave an undertaking to look into the whole question of committal proceedings which, if solved, would mean that the Tucker Report fell by the board?

Mr. Jenkins

Yes, I do. This would require widespread consultations, but if one could deal with this question in a still broader way there would be attractions to it.