§ 41. Mr. Alan Clarkasked the Attorney-General how many cases of contempt of court are currently awaiting hearing.
The Attorney-GeneralThere are no cases currently awaiting hearing in which I am bringing proceedings for criminal contempt.
§ 44. Mr. Archerasked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of The Sunday Times v. the United Kingdom, he proposes to introduce amendments to the law relating to contempt of court.
The Attorney-GeneralAs my hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor-General pointed out in a written reply to the right hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Ashley) on 25 May, it was indicated in the Gracious Speech that a Bill would be introduced this Session to amend the law of contempt of court. The provisions of the Bill will naturally be framed so as to take account of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case referred to by the right hon. and learned Gentleman.