HL Deb 10 March 1999 vol 598 cc35-6WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are their reasons for delaying the bringing into force of Sections 14 and 15 of, and Schedule 1 to, the Defamation Act 1996 extending the scope of the defence of qualified privilege for the media. [HL1282]

The Lord Chancellor

Work on bringing these provisions into force was delayed by the pressure of other priorities. However, I am pleased to announce that my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I will be making a Joint Commencement Order in the next few days which brings Sections 14 and 15 of, and Schedule 1 to, the Defamation Act 1996 into force with effect from 1 April 1999. It also brings into force Sections 16 and 17 of, and Schedule 2 to, the Act in so far as they are relevant to Sections 14 and 15.