§ Mr. HURDasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the feeling among women and other electors as to the need for legislation conferring on judges statutory power to forbid the publication in the Press of evidence in divorce and other cases of an indecent character and prejudicial to public morality; and whether he will have such a Measure prepared for adoption next Session?
§ Sir R. GREENEasked the Home Secretary whether he has any authority to prohibit or control the publication of certain details given in newspaper reports of divorce cases and other events of an unpleasant character; and whether he has received any representations from educational and other bodies as to the bad effect on young persons of continually having these disgusting details brought to their notice in the Press?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am aware of, and I share the feeling, that there should be more restraint in the Press reports of such cases as the hon. Member has in mind, but legislation to impose restrictions on Press publications involves many difficulties, and while I intend to give the subject my careful consideration, I regret I cannot give any promise as to legislation. The answer to the first part of question 101 is in the negative. I have no authority to control the Press in this or any other connection.