HC Deb 14 May 1992 vol 207 c180W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will outline the provisions relating to the circumstances in which proceedings in the High Court may be held in camera.

Mr. John M. Taylor

The hearing of civil or family proceedings to which the public would normally be admitted may be held in camera only where, in the opinion of the court, a public hearing would defeat the ends of justice. In criminal proceedings, a prosecutor or a defendant may apply to the court for all or part of a trial to be held in camera for reasons of national security or the protection of a witness or other person.