§ 56. Mr. Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is able to state the number of foreign nationals employed at British embassies and legations; and what security measures are taken before and during the course of their employment.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesThere are about 2,100 foreign nationals employed at British embassies and legations abroad. They do not have access to any secret or confidential papers and they are permitted to enter confidential offices only under the supervision of a British member of the staff.
§ Mr. ShepherdIn view of the fact that there have been grave allegations in the past and that the situation today is a very difficult one from the security point of view, is the hon. Gentleman saying that no special precautions are taken in these matters?
§ Mr. DaviesThe regulations have been tightened up in recent years and we are not aware of any recent occurrences where confidential papers have come into the hands of non-British nationals.