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Libel

Volume 958: debated on Monday 13 November 1978

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50.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will review the current libel laws to prevent wealthy bodies such as pseudo religious organisations using individuals without means as plaintiffs claiming to be referred to by innuendo in libel cases thus ensuring that a successful defendant would bankrupt himself by defending himself in court and thereby effectively preventing justified criticism of such organisations.

My noble Friend has the recommendations of the Faulks report on the law of defamation, including the question of changes in the law relating to defamation by innuendo, under consideration. He has also examined suggestions made earlier by my hon. Friend in relation to' security for costs in cases where the plaintiff's proceedings are being improperly maintained by a third party, and I understand that my noble Friend has recently written to him about them.