§ 60. Mr. G. Straussasked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is aware that an unauthorised person was able to enter an important aeroplane factory, the name of which has been supplied to him, spent many hours walking round looking at the various processes, and leave, without any challenge; and will he take immediate steps to see that no unauthorised person is able to enter such a factory in future?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production (Mr. Montague)Within two or three hours of the Minister's hearing of this incident, a special Security Officer was on the spot carrying out an investigation. He has now submitted his report, and the Minister is considering, as a matter of urgency, the steps to be taken to prevent any similar incidents in the future.
§ Mr. StraussIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the report of this incident has caused alarm to many people? Can we have an assurance that he is going to take immediate steps to prevent similar action in any aircraft production factory anywhere?
§ Mr. MontagueYes, we are fully aware of the urgency of the question and the alarm caused by the matter. The hon. Member may have my assurance that we shall be on the spot, in this matter, as fast as possible.
§ Mr. Garro JonesHas it not been possible for strangers to gain access to premises before, and have no adequate measures already been established?
§ Mr. MontagueThe problem is a very difficult one and involves the question of waste of time for labour, etc., but we are aware that this is an exceptional case, and we are dealing with it in exceptional manner. We shall take every precaution to see that this kind of thing does not happen to any extensive or undesirable extent.