HC Deb 11 May 1961 vol 640 cc641-2
46. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Prime Minister whether he will inform the House of the special security steps which were taken by Her Majesty's Government after the end of the war to ensure that known Communists who had been recruited into British service during the war were not retained in posts either in Government Departments or in Service appointments where information of a secret nature could be obtained.

The Prime Minister

The purpose and efficiency of these measures would be frustrated if they were disclosed in detail. The procedures have, however, been progressively strengthened—in 1948, 1952 and 1956.

Dame Irene Ward

On a point of order. Mr. Speaker, can I reserve my supplementary question until after the Prime Minister has made the statement at the end of Questions?

Mr. Speaker

No, but I always find it easy to see the hon. Lady.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the Prime Minister aware that the trouble in the Foreign Office does not seem to be the known Communists there but the respectable Tories and Liberals who in the process of studying Communism become Communists? What does he intend to do about it?

The Prime Minister

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would help in counter-indoctrination.