§ Mr. Stanbrookasked the Attorney-General if he will now prosecute the BBC under the Prevention of Terrorism Act in respect of its actions in interviewing the killer of Mr. Airey Neave, and co-operation with the IRA in setting up and filming a road block in Carrickmore.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI have considered the police reports on these two incidents and have consulted leading counsel, and I have decided against instituting any criminal proceedings against any members of the staff of the BBC in respect of either incident. I have, however, written to the chairman of the BBC to express my views about the conduct of those involved and to give my understanding of the effect of section 11 of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1976. It is this section which places on the citizen a legal, as opposed to a moral, duty to report to the police information relating to terrorists and acts of terrorism.