David Norris (Independent)

This point goes to the matter of the press council. The Minister raised the matter of apology. A few years ago, The Sun newspaper was admonished very strongly by the British Press Complaints Commission for publishing particular photographs of Princess Diana. The Sun dutifully published the PCC's judgment and then republished the offending pictures under the heading "This is what all the fuss was about, folks". That effectively undermined the Press Complaints Commission. It depends on the quality of the apology, its sincerity and the prominence it is given. I understand that matter is addressed later in the Bill. I know the Minister is sympathetic on this issue. Apologies can be given tongue in cheek and in such a manner that the newspaper gets a second strike at its victim.