HC Deb 24 January 1963 vol 670 cc253-4
7. Sir T. Moore

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Her Majesty's Government will consider offering Miss Barbara Fell suitable re-employment according to her capacity and experience on her release.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

No, Sir.

Sir T. Moore

May I ask my right hon. Friend two supplementary questions? In view of the fact that this lady whom, incidentally, I have never met, has paid a very severe penalty for her foolishness, her indiscretion, but certainly not for spying, would it not be considerably unfair to carry on that punishment indefinitely? Secondly, does not my right hon. Friend agree that we are all becoming a little "spy conscious", including, indeed, some of the judiciary, with the honourable exception of my hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor-General, who presented this case fairly and impartially?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

This case involves a personal tragedy, and I do not think that any of us would wish to add anything to that. But in the case of an officer of this standing and responsibility I feel that the suggestion of my hon. Friend, though most generously intended, is not really practicable.