HC Deb 09 May 1956 vol 552 cc1199-200
29. Miss Lee

asked the Postmaster-General what regulations he has laid down which must be complied with by all General Post Office telephone engineers who intend to visit the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Albania, Bulgaria, China, North Korea, Tibet, the Allied Sector of Berlin or the Eastern Sector of Berlin, in the matter of security.

Dr. Hill

These regulations, which apply to other Government Departments as well as the Post Office, enjoin certain officers to consult their Department before travelling to the countries mentioned.

Miss Lee

Does not the Minister appreciate that this is a foolish and ineffective regulation which cannot possibly have any effect on dishonourable workmen? Is he aware that it is resented by honest-to-god British workers, the more so because it irritates honourable men without having the slightest value in tracing enemy agents? Is there any reason why a considerable number of British workmen should now be asked by their superiors to sign forms marked "secret"?

Dr. Hill

I suggest that, in the case of officers who are in possession of confidential information, it is right and sensible to ask them to consult their Departments and to seek the advice of their Departments before travelling to the countries mentioned.

Miss Lee

Will the Minister take into account the psychology of his honest-to-god countrymen? I have had representations made to me by very fine public servants, who are completely above suspicion, that this regulation causes needless irritation, and they are most contemptuous of it because they know perfectly well that if any of their number were an enemy agent he would sign anything or make any statement he was asked to make. Yet a lot of honest workmen are put to what they consider to be irritation and indignity, and it does not serve the slightest purpose

Dr. Hill

I agree with the hon. Lady that the vast majority would take every possible care to avoid giving away confidential information, but it is helpful and sensible to ask them to take advice and consult their Departments before departing for the countries named.