HC Deb 18 July 1887 vol 317 cc1164-5
MR. HANBURY (Preston)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce any measure this Session to secure the punishment more effectually than is at present possible of officials guilty of the betrayal of official and confidential information which may have come into their possession while engaged in the Public Service?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

There is no doubt that the hands of Her Majesty's Government would be strengthened by legislation such as that proposed by the hon. Member; but it is a question that is surrounded by many practical difficulties, and I am afraid that the time at our disposal is too fully occupied for it to be considered this Session.