§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the terms are of the code of practice on unhelpful or intrusive reporting on cases of historical sex abuse; [148883]
(2) what discussions he has held with media representatives to assess how unhelpful or intrusive reporting of historical sex abuse cases can be avoided; and what the outcome of these meetings was; [148884]
116W(3) what meetings he plans to hold with media representatives to assess how unhelpful or intrusive reporting of historical sex abuse cases can be avoided; and when these discussions will take place. [148885]
§ Paul GogginsI have held discussions with representatives of the Press Complaints Commission (PCC) with regard to the anonymity of suspects in sexual offence cases.
The Government believes that self regulation through the effective use of media codes is the best way to ensure pre-charge anonymity and the PCC is examining its code of conduct to see how it can be strengthened.