§ Mr. ButcherTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will proscribe the issuing of press releases by self-regulatory organisations which name individuals in advance of hearings of the same self-regulatory organisations in which the allegations against those named individuals are to be examined.
§ Mr. Redwood[holding answer 27 November 1989]: A self-regulating organisation is reponsible for ensuring that its own rules and practices are observed. I have to leave the SROs free to exercise their own discipline over the companies or individuals who have agreed to be bound by their rules. Any complaints or suggestions for a change in practice in this matter should be taken up with the SRO.
§ Mr. ButcherTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will consider giving guidance to self-regulatory organisations on the need to avoid prejudicing forthcoming criminal trials.
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§ Mr. Redwood[holding answer 27 November 1989]: I do not believe such guidance to be necessary. It is well known in English justice that care must be exercised to avoid prejudging trials, and defendants have rights to a fair trail in criminal law.