Press Council

46.

Mr. Niall Macpherson
asked the Prime Minister what progress has been made towards the appointment of a Press Council; and by whom the appointments are to be made.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)
I have been asked to reply. The Royal Commission proposed that the Press Council should be set up by the Press, and on 28th July, 1949, the House unanimously approved a Motion welcoming all possible action on the part of the Press to give effect to the Commission's conclusions and recommendations. The Press have not yet produced an agreed scheme, but I am sure that we all hope that it will not take them much longer to do so.

Mr. Macpherson
If it is decided to have such a Council will the right hon. Gentleman resist any proposals that lay members should be appointed by the  heads of the judiciary, since the heads of the judiciary in England and Scotland might at some date become involved in their judicial capacities?

Mr. Ede
I think that is a matter on which we might very well wait until we see the scheme.

Mr. G. Thomas
Could my right hon. Friend say whether any representation has been made to the Press to get on with this job?

Mr. Ede
I could not answer that.

Mr. Eden
Could it possibly be the "Tribune" that is holding up these negotiations?