§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the law of blasphemous libel, in the light of the decision of the House of Lords in the case of Lemon v. Director of Public Prosecutions, mindful of the fact that according to these judgments mens rea does not now appear to be the essential ingredient of this offence.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesAs I informed the House on 8 February last year, the Law Commission is engaged upon a review of offences against religion and public worship, which include blasphemy and blasphemous libel. It will no doubt take full account of the recent decision. I understand that the Commission hopes to issue a working paper later this year.