§ 46. Mr. Shepherdasked the Prime Minister how many cases of sabotage have taken place during the last 18 months in respect of the armed Services or of essential national production where there are good reasons for the view that the damage has been caused by enemies of the State; what evidence there is that this work is being carried out by an organisation; and what steps are being taken to deal with the situation.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI have been asked to reply. During the last 18 months there have been several cases of malicious damage to property in Service establishments and in industry, but there is no evidence that these were the work of an organisation directed or controlled by enemies of the State.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the succession of incidents, to which he refers as "several," is causing a great deal of public concern, and that the public do not accept the view, which he apparently accepts, that they are no co-ordinated?
§ Mr. MorrisonI quite agree with the hon. Member that they are causing some public concern, as they are, indeed, in Government circles. But we had better be careful about coming to a hasty conclusion. The hon. Member may be sure the matter is being kept under close observation.