HC Deb 24 April 1978 vol 948 cc486-7W
Mr. Lawrence

asked the Attorney-General whether he authorised the Director of Public Prosecutions to issue the memorandum of advice to the Press of Thursday 20th April 1978 not to disclose the identity of Colonel "B" in their reports of that day's proceedings of the House.

The Attorney-General

Having regard to requests for guidance from the Press, I authorised the Director of Public Prosecutions to provide them with advice to the following effectThe legality of revealing the identity of Colonel B, a witness in the prosecution of Aubrey, Berry and Campbell, is the subject matter of pending proceedings for contempt of court before the Divisional Court of the High Court of Justice. It is not accepted that, despite the naming of the colonel on the floor of the House of Commons, the publication of his name would not be a contempt of court, even if it was part of a report of proceedings in the House.

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