§ 7 and 8. Mr. A. Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what was the cost to Government funds of the survey of homosexuality undertaken at the request of his Department in 1958 by Mr. Richard Hauser; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what precautions his Department takes to ensure that those appointed to residential youth establishments under 632 his control are not homosexually inclined.
§ Mr. Fletcher-CookeThe cost to Government funds of the research on which Mr. Hauser's book The Homosexual Society was based was £525. I assume that my hon. Friend's Questions relate to the statement in that book to the effect that a senior Government official, who was responsible for scrutinising appointments of staff in residential youth establishments, had stated that he deliberately chose certain types of homosexuals for certain jobs. The author has felt unable to disclose the identity of the official concerned; but diligent inquiries have failed to show that any such statement was made by any officer who is responsible to my right hon. Friend. I need hardly add that this reported statement does not represent official policy.
§ Mr. BrownCan my hon. and learned Friend assure the House categorically that the allegation made by this senior Government official, which has received much publicity, is absolutely untrue?
§ Mr. Fletcher-CookeThe policy contained in this alleged statement is quite and absolutely untrue. We have made the most diligent inquiries to find out from whence this rumour came. Mr. Hauser is unable to disclose this since he would regard it as a breach of confidence. All I can add is that the only establishments for which the Home Office is responsible and which might be described as residential youth establishments are borstals and detention centres and that applicants for appointments in these services must satisfy the Civil Service Commission as to their qualifications and, of course, inquiries are made about their previous history.