§ Q2. Mr. S. Silvermanasked the Prime Minister what action he will take to ascertain what amendments, if any, are necessary to ensure that the Official Secrets Acts are brought up to date, that their scope is not extended beyond its legitimate purposes, that the safeguards imposed by Parliament are not frustrated, and that they are not misused to the prejudice of the human rights and basic freedoms essential in a free society.
§ The Prime MinisterI have undertaken to discuss with my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General, when certain appeals have been disposed of, whether any action is necessary in respect of the operation of the Official Secrets Acts. I have not yet done this because the appellants have been granted leave to appeal to the House of Lords.
§ Mr. SilvermanWhile I am grateful for the Prime Minister's promise to discuss this matter with the Attorney-General at a later date, may I ask whether he appreciates that these questions will remain equally valid and on one view will equally require an investigation whether the present appeals succeed or fail? Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the very fact that leave to appeal to the House of Lords has been given involves a situation which means that after fifty years of this legislation there are still points of public importance unresolved?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, but I think that the House will recognise that while a matter is under appeal it would be wiser for me, certainly as a layman, not to try to enter into rather complicated issues.
§ Mr. M. FootWill the Prime Minister take into account that, irrespective of what happens about these appeals, the whole question of examining the Official Secrets Acts arises? Does he recall that just prior to the war when there was a question of a Member of Parliament, a 1145 colleague in his Government at present, being improperly charged under the Official Secrets Acts, the most prompt measures were taken to have an investigation of it by the House? Does he not think that equally searching measures should be taken to provide similar protections for ordinary citizens to ensure that they are not improperly charged under the Official Secrets Acts?
§ The Prime MinisterI still think that it would be an advantage to see the results of the appeal to the House of Lords and what statements the learned Lords may make in their judgments.
§ Mr. SilvermanIn view of the unsatisfactory nature, on the whole, of the answers I have been given, I give notice that I should like to raise the subject again at a convenient opportunity.