Clause 70 - Offences in connection with reporting
Criminal Justice Bill
4:30 pm
Mr Hilary Benn (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Home Office; Leeds Central, Labour)
In answer to the point raised by the hon. Member for North Down (Lady Hermon), I am advised that the formula to be found in subsection (10) is widely used, but she is absolutely correct that, at present, the Attorney-General for England and Wales is the same person as the Attorney-General for Northern Ireland.
In relation to the point on reporting restrictions raised by the hon. Member for Southwark, North and Bermondsey, I have gladly undertaken to reflect on how to achieve analogous protection to that which currently applies in relation to trials, and I have heard, and in part responded to, the arguments made about
general provisions relating to reporting restrictions. Many issues are involved, and the Bill is not he right place to deal with them. However, I have certainly heard the comments that hon. Members have made.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 70 ordered to stand part of the Bill.