§ 54. Mr. Youngerasked the Prime Minister whether the questionnaire regarding marriage or remarriage which is sent to atomic workers by the Atomic Energy Authority with the approval of Ministers is sent also to all other persons engaged upon Government work of the highest secrecy; and what exceptions there are to this procedure.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir; but the Government are considering, in the light of the findings of the Privy Councillors' Conference, how far it may be necessary to require certain categories of staff in the public service to notify this information.
§ Mr. YoungerDoes the Prime Minister not think that if there is to be an inquisition of this kind, which, I understand, is something of an innovation, it should be only on the basis of the particular secrecy of the work involved? Further, is it not really a sign that this step has been very ill-thought-out, that it shoud be introduced piecemeal in this way in one section only of employees handling secret work?
§ The Prime MinisterI agree with the right hon. Gentleman to this extent, that I think it is a matter which must be considered not for one part of the Civil Service or public service but over the whole, and I can give him the assurance that that is what is intended as a result of the Privy Councillors' Report.