§ 49. Mr. KINGasked what is the number of prosecutions and of convictions under the Official Secrets Act, 1911, since the Act was passed; and how many have taken place in England, Scotland, and Ireland, respectively?
§ Sir RUFUS ISAACSThere have been three prosecutions in England under the Act mentioned. Convictions have been obtained in two cases, and the remaining case will be tried at the ensuing Winchester Assizes. The hon. Member should apply to the Lord Advocate and the Attorney-General for Ireland for the figures for Scotland and Ireland, respectively.
§ Mr. KINGDoes each of these cases now come under the right hon. Gentleman's personal consideration before proceedings are taken, as was the case before this Act was passed?
§ Sir RUFUS ISAACSYes, certainly.
§ Mr. BOOTHWas a conviction obtained in the case which was under consideration and which made this Bill urgent in 1911?
§ Sir RUFUS ISAACSI do not recall that there was a particular case which was discussed at that time. What we had in mind was cases which might arise and one has arisen.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman quite sure that there was no particular case in view when this Act was brought in and passed?
§ Sir RUFUS ISAACSI do not quite know what the hon. Member means. If he means that we were going to prosecute someone at that time, I do not think there was such a thing, but we had in mind cases which would arise and one certainly has arisen.