§ 33. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that the Commissioner of Police has admitted that the Metropolitan Police co-operated with the British Broadcasting Corporation in making a film of the McKay murder case whilst the appeal and appeal proceedings were pending; and whether he will take action against the police and the British Broadcasting Corporation for interfering with the process of justice in a matter which was sub judice.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am satisfied that the making of this film, which was broadcast after the appeal had been dismissed, did not interfere with the administration of justice, or prejudice the appeal in any way. There are no grounds for taking any action.
§ Mr. LewisWhilst I pay tribute to the police for their efforts in apprehending the criminals and having them convicted, does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman think it is wrong that before the accused were properly charged, before the trial had begun, before their appeal had begun, and before the appeal had been heard, negotiations were taking place and work had begun on the making of the film, which was finished and shown within three weeks of the result of the appeal? Should not justice not only be done but be seen to be done? As this has been the only occasion on 27 which this has happened, will the Attorney-General see that it is the last?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe only question with regard to the prejudice of an appeal is whether the Lords Justices would have been prejudiced. As they did not see the film, there was no question of any prejudice to the appeal.