§ Mr. Woodburnasked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that in 615W Greenock sheriff court cases are being heard in camera, in some cases concerning men in the Services or in local factories; whether he is aware that the Regulations appear to be stretched to cover cases where there is no evidence of national risk; and whether he will issue a circular to all sheriff courts to the effect that, in certain situations of doubt, the court might be content to rely upon a request to the Press to withhold publication of any detail not suitable for broadcasting, rather than order a complete exclusion from the court of journalists?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandThe powers conferred on the court by Section 6 of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1939, have been exercised in Greenock sheriff court in five prosecutions during the last three months. In four of these cases the evidence related to the position of movements of troops and ships. As regards the fifth case, my right hon. Friend is making inquiries. By Statute, the matter is left to the discretion of the court, and the expedient suggested in the last part of the Question is frequently adopted in practice.