HC Deb 26 November 1957 vol 578 c990
47. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the administrative procedure in each Department for securing that top secret and secret documents are not transported from place to place in such a way as to make them vulnerable to accident, carelessness or removal by enemy agents: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have been asked to reply.

Yes, Sir. The Departmental instructions on the handling and custody of top secret and secret documents are clear and adequate.

Dame Irene Ward

In view of the recent discovery of top secret documents which had fallen out of the boot of a car, does my right hon. Friend consider it necessary for top secret documents to be moved about from place to place? What action is being taken in this case, which has caused quite a lot of public alarm?

Mr. Butler

In the particular case which my hon. Friend has in mind, the Departmental instructions were not obeyed. Therefore, disciplinary action has been taken and the officer concerned has been transferred to non-secret work.