§ 26. Mr. ROSEasked the Home Secretary whether there are any other Syndicalist leaders employed by the police authorities on the terms admitted by him to have governed the employment of the convict F. W. Watson; and, if so, will he publish the names of such persons?
§ Mr. SHORTTI must decline to answer this question, not because it presents any difficulties in itself, but because I must maintain the general principle of not giving any replies, positive or negative, with regard to police informants.
§ Mr. ROSEWhy was that pious ordinance broken in the case of Watson; and why could the right hon. Gentleman make disclosures in his case and cannot make them in any other cases, provided that such other effenders exist, as they undoubtedly do?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe case of Watson apparently was known.
§ Captain W. BENNCan the right hon. gentleman say what sum of money is being expended annually by the Home Office on secret service?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo, Sir.