§ Lord Bethellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they appreciate the problems caused by the cost of libel litigation in English courts, to both plaintiff and defendant, and whether they have any plans to reform and simplify the cost of actions in defamation.
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Hailsham of Saint Marylebone)The Government are aware of the level of costs involved in actions for defamation if they are pursued until trial and judgment. One element contributing to that level is the requirement of a jury at the suit of either party. The Government are not, however, satisfied that abolition of that right would be to the public good.