The Manchester Evening Newsfaces contempt of court proceedings over an article which allegedly breached an injunction relating to the killers of James Bulger.
The Attorney General believes the article might have led to the identification of the whereabouts of the killers of James.
A spokesman said the Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith QC, intends to make an application to commit Greater Manchester Newspapers Limited for breach of the injunction made on January 8th 2001 and amended on June 22nd 2001.
"He does not consider it necessary to seek to join the editor, Mr Paul Horrocks, or the news editor as respondents to the application. The application will be made as soon as practicable," the spokesman said.
"The article published in the Manchester Evening Newson June 22nd appears to be in breach of the injunction granted by the High Court as it contains information which might have led to the identification of the whereabouts of Jon Venables and Robert Thompson," the spokesman said.
On June 25th, in accordance with his normal practice, a letter was sent to Mr Horrocks giving the newspaper the opportunity to make any representations the paper would wish the Attorney General to take into account when considering whether it would be appropriate to issue proceedings for contempt. A reply was requested by July 2nd.
"Solicitors for Greater Manchester Newspapers Limited replied on July 2nd," the spokesman said.
Lord Goldsmith has reminded all editors the injunction prohibits the publication of any information likely to lead to the identification of Venables or Thompson, or any information likely to lead to the identification of their past, present or future whereabouts.
"He will regard any breach of this injunction as a very serious matter," the spokesman said.
"It will be for the court to decide when to list the matter for hearing," he added.
PA