Public Interest Immunity: Judgments

HL Deb 21 February 1996 vol 569 cc81-2WA

Earl Russell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will publish reference for the judgments by Lord Scannan, Lord Donaldson of Lymington and Lord Justice Bingham mentioned in the statement on the Scott Report (15 February 1996, col. 726) in which it was argued that claims to public interest immunity were a matter of duty.

The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)

Particulars of the judgments by Lord Scarman, Lord Donaldson of Lymington and Lord Justice Bingham mentioned in the statement on the Scott Report are contained in a detailed critique of the relevant passages in the Scott Report entitledPublic Interest Immunity: Government Response to the Scott Report. Copies have been placed in the Printed Paper Office. I commend the whole document to noble Lords but the sections dealing with the authorities relied upon are paragraphs 2.10 to 2.24.