HC Deb 22 November 1906 vol 165 cc1026-7
MR. RAWLINSON (Cambridge University)

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General if his attention has been called to the recent publication in certain newspapers of extracts from a confidential document dealing with crime among Chinese coolies in South Africa; and what steps have been taken to bring the offenders to justice under Section 2 (1) of 52 and 53 Vict., c. 52 (Official Secrets) Act.

SIR JOHN WALTON

I think this Question was answered by the Prime Minister yesterday.

LORD R. CECIL (Marylebone, E.)

Have any steps been taken in the way of communicating with the police?

SIR JOHN WALTON

Not that I am aware of.

LORD R. CECIL

Why not?

VISCOUNT TURNOUR

Did not the Prime Minister say yesterday that he could not yet give any reply on the subject.

SIR JOHN WALTON

Hon. Members opposite have a simple course they can take. If they think the law has been broken they can draw the attention of the Director of Public Prosecutions to any materials the have, and he will consider them, and communicate his opinion on the matter.

VISCOUNT TURNOUR

Would it not be advisable to give us those materials?

Mr. RAWLINSON

Does the Attorney-General suggest that when an official secret has leaked out it is not the duty of representatives of the Government, but of some private Member, to take the matter up?

[No Answer was returned.]