§ Q2. Mr. Marshasked the Prime Minister how many breaches of national security, resulting in legal or disciplinary action, have occurred since he became responsible for the security services.
§ The Prime MinisterBreaches of this kind are the subject of legal proceedings. Since January, 1957, four people have been convicted of offences under Section 1 of the Official Secrets Act, 1911; eleven of conspiracy to commit a breach of that Section; and six of offences under Section 2. One person was convicted by court martial for improperly retaining defence documents.
§ Mr. MarshWill the Prime Minister also tell us how many people have been the recipients of disciplinary action on these counts?
§ The Prime MinisterThere is no central record. As the hon. Member will realise, it might range from a very minor breach, which required only notice or reprimand, to something more serious.
§ Mr. LubbockIs the Prime Minister aware that another leaflet has been produced by the organisation known as "Spies for Peace" giving the location of one of the R.S.G.'s and the names of about 100 people who are to occupy it in the event of a nuclear war?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Sir C. OsborneWill the Prime Minister give an assurance that when it is discovered who is guilty of these breaches they will be adequately and properly punished?
§ The Prime MinisterAs the figures which I have given show, if any men are found to have committed some offence they will be prosecuted.
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerMay I ask a question about the Prime Minister's policy on D notices in connection with this document? Nobody is asking him to release all the information controlled by a D notice—only the D notice relating to this document. Is not the purpose of a D notice to stop enemies of this country from discovering facts? Has not everybody who wants to have this document already got it? Is not the purpose of this D notice, therefore, to stop the British public from knowing it, and is not that an abuse of the D notice?
§ The Prime MinisterIt may be an abuse of the D notice, but it has no possible relevance to this Question.