§ 3.13 p.m.
§ LORD BALOGHMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government how many persons have been proceeded against under the Official Secrets Act as a result of the defection of Mr. Lyalin; what their professions were; and, if civil servants, their rank.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD WINDLESHAM)My Lords, it is not the practice to disclose the source of information which leads to criminal proceedings, particularly in cases which involve national security.
§ LORD BALOGHMy Lords, I thank the Minister for his characteristic Answer. Does he believe that the cost/benefit ratio in prosecutions as against expulsion works out in the interests of this country?
§ LORD WINDLESHAMMy Lords, if the noble Lord is referring to members of diplomatic missions in this country who are asked to leave, I do not think that that subject arises on this Question.