§ 45. Mr. J. Langford-Holtasked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to co-ordinate the security precautions of all Departments.
§ The Prime MinisterEffective arrangements are already in force for co-ordinating security precautions in Government Departments.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltCan the Prime Minister say whether this arrangement comes under a common executive authority rather than a responsible authority like himself?
§ The Prime MinisterEvery Department is responsible for security and there is an inter-Departmental committee which coordinates that activity and gives advice.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Prime Minister aware that in the case of the Foreign Office there is reason for believing that security regulations are too stringent, and that it would be a good thing for this country if more of their officials disappeared?
Mr. Baker WhiteWould the Prime Minister not agree that both the Pontecorvo case and the more recent case of the disappearing diplomats show that there is a very serious time lag between the time when the local security officers and the central authority can act together on security matters in co-operation with the security departments of other countries.
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware of that. If the hon. Gentleman wants to ask a Question about a detailed case perhaps he will put it on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the committee mentioned is a committee with executive authority, or a committee acting in an advisory capacity for all Departments?
§ The Prime MinisterI have already explained that the Departments are responsible for taking action for their 2512 security, and that the inter-Departmental committee is advisory. It would be quite a mistake to try to lift the responsibility from the individual Departments.