LORD Parkinson won a new High Court injunction yesterday, banning
further publication of any comments by his ex-lover, Sara Keays, about
the welfare of their child.
The order will remain in force pending the outcome of a court hearing
starting today, at which Miss Keays is expected to be represented.
Yesterday's move by Lord Parkinson followed comments made by Miss
Keays on a television programme last Sunday and subsequent publication
of them in some newspapers.
Mr Justice Singer said the accuracy of some of Miss Keays's comments
had been questioned. ''I may have to decide in due course what
investigation of those matters is appropriate,'' he said.
Lord Parkinson was in a dilemma because he could not give his version
of events without putting himself at risk of breaching an existing
injunction banning both parents from publishing matters relating to the
child, Flora, who is nine.
In banning any further publicity, the Judge said: ''My hope and
intention is that the issues raised by Miss Keays may be swiftly
resolved in the confidential manner that is normally appropriate when
questions relating to the upbringing of children cannot be agreed by
their parents, whoever their parents happen to be.''
He said Miss Keays was not present or fully represented at the hearing
-- she was not obliged to be -- and he therefore did not yet know what
she had to say about the various matters in issue. He had borne in mind
public interest.
However, she had been fully represented when he made the original
injunction, without opposition from her side, and he believed he had
made that order effectively on the joint application of both parents and
in the best interests of the child.
His order forbids publication of any comment concerning evidence or
submissions made during court proceedings relating to Flora and any
discussion or comment, or further discussion or comment, with regard to
her welfare and upbringing.
The earlier injunction granted in March, banning both parents from
publishing or broadcasting information about confidential court
proceedings, also remains fully in force.
The Judge added that the Official Solicitor had agreed to act as
Flora's guardian for the purpose of the present proceedings.
Lord Parkinson and Miss Keays had an 11-year affair which started when
she was his secretary.
The disclosure of the affair and Miss Keays's pregnancy precipitated
his resignation as Trade and Industry Secretary in 1983.
' My hope and intention is that the issues raised by Miss Keays may be
swiftly resolved in the confidential manner that is normally appropriate
'
Mr Justice Singer
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