Security Work

HC Deb 07 November 1962 vol 666 cc954-5

14. Mr. Gordon Walker

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty how many of the people now employed in security work in the Admiralty have had special training in security or have had special experience beyond that common to all officials of their rank in the Admiralty.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

Out of the forty-mine persons, naval and civil, employed full-time on security duties by the Admiralty, eighteen are engaged on clerical duties for which no special security training is required. The remaining thirty-one have all received special training by the Security Service and in the Admiralty since the formation of the Security Department. Several of them had previously been employed on security duties of one kind or another for some years. For example, one of the assistant directors is seconded from the Security Service; the senior inspector is an ex-police officer and ten others, in addition to training, have had previous experience of security work not common to other officials in the Admiralty.

Mr. Paget

Perhaps it is more important to ask: what training do the other people in the Admiralty have in cooperating with the security people? That is where it seems such a breakdown has occurred.

Mr. Orr-Ewing

We have been at great pains since the setting up of the Security Department to make sure that indoctrination takes place everywhere. We now have a part-time security officer in every fleet establishment and every civilian establishment. We have included instruction in every officer course and for every rating above the leading rate, and we also include a very thorough period of training on security procedures in every civilian course.

Mr. J. Wells

Does this figure of forty-nine include lieutenant-commanders and other officers about to be retired who are filling in a few months? If so, are they given any special training in security before they start screening other officers? Can my hon. Friend give an assurance that no officer about to be retired will in future be employed in screening other officers who are his seniors?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

Yes, Sir, it does include some of that rank, and they have been instructed. We are looking into the question of civilianising this function rather than using officers who are nearing retirement.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Have these gentlemen any special training in detecting homosexuals?