Lord Morrisasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the relevant paragraph of the code of practice of the National Union of Journalists is consistent with Section 10 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)It is neither possible nor appropriate for Her Majesty's Government to say whether the two are consistent; but if there is any inconsistency between the code and the Act the latter must prevail. It is a matter for the courts to decide, in a particular case, whether or not a journalist who refuses to disclose a source of information is protected by Section 10 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.