§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to prevent criminals profiting from the publication of(a) memoirs and (b) magazine and newspaper articles based on their criminal activities. [74879]
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§ Mr. BoatengIn the light of the concerns expressed last year after the publication of Gitta Sereny's book 'Cries Unheard' an inter-departmental group is considering the law relating to criminal memoirs, and whether it might sensibly be strengthened. The issues raised are difficult and complex, and include how the need to prevent criminals from benefiting by publishing details of their crimes and causing distress to victims and their families can be balanced against the rights to freedom of expression set out in the European Court of Human Rights and the Human Rights Act. The working group expects to report in the summer.