HC Deb 26 June 1957 vol 572 cc200-1
22. Mrs. L. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that United States service officers in this country are communicating with landlords who have, or have had, American citizens as tenants, and asking for private information about these tenants; and whether he will make representations to the United States Government in regard to this procedure.

Mr. Ian Harvey

My right hon. and learned Friend is grateful to the hon. Lady for raising this matter, which he is investigating. The inquiries made by the United States authorities are designed to check particulars given by persons who are being considered specifically for employment in the United States on matters affecting defence. These inquiries are openly made and those approached need not provide the information requested if they do not wish to do so.

Mrs. Jeger

Is the hon. Gentleman aware not only that my constituents find it distasteful to be asked this kind of question but that, from the point of view of American security, it surely is most inefficient to address a circular letter to a landlord relating to a tenant who left his address seventeen years ago? Does not this suggest that a man's future might be determined purely by haphazard recollection, which is not only damaging to the individual concerned but is quite useless for United States security?

Mr. Harvey

As I have said, my right hon. and learned Friend is investigating this matter. I think that the hon. Lady will agree that we are not entirely responsible for the efficiency of this organisation.

Mr. Younger

is not it unusual that officials of any other country should make inquiries of this kind in the United Kingdom? Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether officials of any other country are doing -t and whether the officials of our country have such facilities overseas? Is not it very unusual indeed?

Mr. Harvey

The nature of the operation is unusual and that is why my right hon. and learned Friend is making inquiries. I would emphasise that these American inquiries are only in connection with those who want to be employed in the United States on defence matters. However, my right hon. and learned Friend is looking into these matters and if a Question is put down a further statement will be made.