§ Ian LucasTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) under what statutory powers a court can prevent publication of the identity of children concerned in court proceedings by e-mail; [32162]
160W(2)if he will introduce proposals to improve the protection of the identities of children concerned in court proceedings, with particular reference to electronic communications; [32164]
(3)under what statutory powers a court can prevent publication of the identity of children concerned in court proceedings in messages on an electronic bulletin board system; [32163]
(4)under what powers courts can prevent publication of the identity of children concerned in court proceedings in messages on a web page. [32224]
§ Beverley HughesI have been asked to reply.
Sections 39 and 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 restrict publication of the identity of under-18s involved in criminal court proceedings. They apply to print and broadcast media: we do not believe they cover electronic communications.
We are due to implement further restrictions in the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. We believe they will cover electronic communications which can be shown to be addressed to the public or a section of the public.