§ 17. Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why records are kept by the Metropolitan Police of persons active in the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament; and what these records are.
§ Sir F. SoskiceThe Commissioner of Police informs me that no special records are kept by the Metropolitan Police of persons because of their activities in the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
§ Mr. NewensIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware of the fact that earlier this year he gave me an Oral Answer in which he stated that details were taken of people returning from a nuclear disarmament rally in Paris by a police officer? There is various evidence we get that records are kept. While we are very happy to be assured on this matter, would my right hon. and learned Friend review what he has said to make sure that it is absolutely true?
§ Sir F. SoskiceI am quite satisfied that what I have been told is true, and I do not think there is any need to review it. With regard to the former Answer to which my hon. Friend refers, I think, if I may say so with the greatest respect to him, that I said that only routine, normal inquiries were made.
§ Mr. LagdenBut would the Home Secretary consider, in the interests of security, immediately asking for such particulars to be kept?
§ Sir F. SoskiceI am quite satisfied that the security service in this country discharges its task extremely efficiently.