HC Deb 22 May 1950 vol 475 cc1650-2
72. Mr. Harold Macmillan

asked the Minister of Supply whether he has given consideration, in conjunction with the Secretary of State for Air, to the release of detailed information to the technical Press regarding new types of military air craft; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

Yes, Sir. We have given further consideration to the release of detailed information to the technical Press about new types of aircraft, and we are now discussing the matter with representatives of the Press. I will inform the right hon. Gentleman as soon as these discussions are concluded.

Mr. Macmillan

Since this matter is not one of publicity but of security would it not be better to discuss it with the Secretary of State for Air, the Chief of the Air Staff and the Air Council?

Mr. Strauss

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that on the technical committee which deals with the giving out of information of this sort the Services are fully represented.

Mr. Macmillan

Is the Minister aware that I raised this matter on the Air Estimates two or three months ago and that the technical Press, so far from pressing for more information, have been very critical in suggesting that too much information has been given?

Mr. Strauss

As I say, the matter is being reviewed. We are discussing it with the Press, and I hope to make a statement before very long.

Sir Peter Macdonald

Is there any body or committee scrutinising the question of security in the issuing of information to technical papers such as "Flight" on types of aircraft, for example, which have not yet been produced?

Mr. Strauss

As I say, there is a technical committee on which the Services are represented.

Mr. Charles Ian Orr-Ewing

Will the Minister bear in mind that these aircraft are not yet in operational use, and will he relate the release of information to the date to which they are to come into operational use in the squadrons? We cannot afford to give away technical information some years before the aircraft are used by our Services.

Mr. Strauss

We are careful not to give away technical information which is likely to be valuable to a potential enemy.

Mr. Macmillan

Was that not the whole point of the investigation and the discussion on the Report stage of the Estimates? The Minister's last observation begs the whole question in that he said he was to inquire into the matter.

Mr. Strauss

I said that the situation is being reviewed. There was a certain relaxation to which the technical committee agreed a little time ago. We are seeing whether that relaxation contains everything we intended it to contain, and we are reviewing the situation in order to tidy it up if necessary.

Mr. Macmillan

Can the Minister say when he is likely to make his next statement on the matter? Will it be a matter of months or weeks?

Mr. Strauss

A few weeks.

79. Mr. P. B. Lucas

asked the Minister of Supply what particulars regarding the Rolls-Royce Avon engine have been approved by his Department for release to the Press.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

The Press have been informed that they may publish a general description, including thrust and fuel consumption, overall dimensions, weight, and exterior photographs or films of the Rolls-Royce Avon engine.

Mr. Lucas

If the Minister is willing to release this sort of information will he not consult with the Secretary of State for Air to see whether we can have much more information given to us about the strength of the R.A.F.? This is a matter which concerns many of us.