§ 61. Mr. MATTERS (for Mr. MARLEY)asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been called to the statement published in the "Northern Echo" 1598 of 15th May that summonses are being taken out against certain coalowners in Scotland and South Wales for breaches of the Coal Mines Act, 1930; and whether he has considered the matter from the point of view of a breach of the Official Secrets Act being involved?
§ The ATTORNEY - GENERAL (Sir William Jowitt)My attention has been called to the publication of the statement in question in this and in another newspaper. I have on two occasions explained to the House that I do not think the drastic powers of search and interrogation conferred by the Acts should be exercised except in cases where there is reason to suspect official leakage and where serious issues are involved. No such considerations apply to the present case, and I do not therefore propose to take any action.
§ Major COLVILLECan the Attorney-General say how many miners in Scotland and Wales stand to suffer a loss in earnings as a result of this decision to prosecute?