HC Deb 05 May 1915 vol 71 cc1103-4
46. Mr. HOUSTON

asked 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 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 MINISTER

I 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. HOUSTON

Is 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 MINISTER

I do not think that would be desirable at all. The responsibility rests with the War Office.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

Does 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 MINISTER

That is part of the Constitution of the country.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

Will the right hon. Gentleman revise the Constitution of the country to deal with the point?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not think that this is a very opportune moment to revise that part of the Constitution.