§ 62. Mr. Dingle Footasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the recent decision of a divisional court in the case of Lewis v. Cattle; and whether he will consider the advisability 761 of so amending the Official Secrets Acts as to confine their operation to espionage and to other actions which are prejudicial to the safety of the State?
§ Sir S. HoareI have not yet had time to consider the implications of this matter, and I am, therefore, not able to make any statement to-day.
§ Mr. FootIn considering this matter, will the Minister bear in mind that when Section 6 of the 1920 Act was before the House, the most specific assurances were then given on behalf of the Government that this Measure was not intended to be used against the Press, and that it was intended simply to deal with spies and with spying?
§ Sir S. HoareI shall have to consider all the various aspects of the question.