§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the Newspaper Society about their members' ability to report on criminal matters and trials where young people under the age of 18 years are involved; and if he will make a statement. [85274]
§ Mr. BoatengThe Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Bill introduced in the House of Lords on 3 December 1998 proposes changes to reporting restrictions in respect of under 18's. A number of media organisations, including the Newspaper Society, have written to Ministers and met with my right hon. and noble Friend Lord Williams and officials to argue for a wider right to report identities. The Government are carefully considering the points made.