§ 46. Mr. HOUSTONasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Home Secretary has repeatedly repudiated responsibility for dealing with spies and espionage, alleging that this responsibility lies with or is shared by the War Office; and whether, in view of the ineffectiveness 1104 and inefficiency of this dual control and responsibility, he will arrange that in every part of the Kingdom which is not under military law the Home Office and the police shall be responsible and held responsible for the protection of the national interests against espionage?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have nothing to add to the statement which I made on 18th November in answer to a question put by the Noble Lord the Member for Portsmouth. There is no question of dual control. The responsibility in the matter of espionage is necessarily one for the War Office, who are working in close co-operation with the Home Office and police. Neither ineffectiveness nor inefficiency results from each Department taking its proper share in the work.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a strong feeling of dissatisfaction amongst our soldiers as well as amongst the civilian population as to this question of responsibility, and, in view of that feeling, is he willing to consider the question of appointing a Committee, consisting of Members of this House, to investigate the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think that would be desirable at all. The responsibility rests with the War Office.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEDoes not a great deal of the trouble arise from the fact that the Home Office has no effective control over the Standing Joint Committee and Watch Committees?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is part of the Constitution of the country.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEWill the right hon. Gentleman revise the Constitution of the country to deal with the point?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think that this is a very opportune moment to revise that part of the Constitution.