HC Deb 16 December 1943 vol 395 cc1672-3
28. Major C. S. Taylor

asked the Home Secretary how many people have been fined in 1943, or otherwise punished, for careless talk?

Mr. H. Morrison

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to persons convicted of offences under Regulation 3 of the Defence Regulations, which deals with the unauthorised obtaining and communicating of information useful to the enemy. During the first nine months of 1943, of the 54 persons found guilty of offences under this Regulation, 34 were fined, 13 were sentenced to imprisonment and seven were dealt with under the Probation of Offenders Act.

Major Taylor

While accepting the rebuke for the wording of my Question, might I ask whether my right hon. Friend will give full publicity to these figures as a warning to others?

Mr. Morrison

I will certainly see what can be done.