Media: Ownership

Lord Martin of Springburn Excerpts

Wednesday 15th February 2012 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Garden of Frognal]

I know that the department is grateful to the noble and learned Baroness for the discussions that it has had with her on these points. The point she makes about the fit and proper person test is that it would require primary legislation and we are not currently minded to make changes to the regime. However, as with the other matters, it will be part of the communications review, and of course we will have to take into account the recommendations of the Leveson report.

[Lord Martin of Springburn]

My Lords, in recent days, leading members of the media have said that in certain circumstances it is all right to give money to police officers for information. Can the Minister confirm that it is a criminal act for anyone, including journalists, to give money to any serving police officer for private information?

[Baroness Garden of Frognal]

Indeed, my Lords, I can confirm that.