HC Deb 26 February 1946 vol 419 cc1737-8
45. Mr. William Shepherd

asked the Prime Minister at what Government offices the pass system is still in operation; and if he will state the reasons for this.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

The wartime pass system remains in full operation in the Admiralty, the War Office, the Foreign Office, the Cabinet Office, the India and Burma Office and the Control Office for Germany and Austria. The system is also in operation in the Treasury and the Ministry of Health, which are housed in the same building as the Cabinet Office; but in these Departments some relaxation is contemplated. Elsewhere the system has either been abolished or considerably relaxed. The main reason for retention is the need for special precautions in those Departments which handle a large volume of confidential business. The question whether the system can be relaxed is under consideration.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

What about the "Pass to you" system?

Mr. Shepherd

Can the Prime Minister say whether confidential business was handled by these Departments before the war and whether this pass system was in operation then?

The Prime Minister

I am afraid I will have to have notice of that Question.