§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider the introduction of legislation of forbid the payment of money to people convicted of murder by those making films based on their crimes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John Patten[holding answer 30 April 1990]: It is deplorable that criminals—especially those convicted of the most heinous offences—should be able to profit indirectly from their crimes by payments for publication of them, in films or any other medium. We are already considering what steps could be taken, although we recognise that there are practical difficulties because benefits can be received indirectly, or covertly, or outside our jurisdiction.