HC Deb 25 March 1969 vol 780 cc1268-70
Q8. Mr. Lipton

asked the Prime Minister whether he will investigate the breaches of security which surrounded the sending of troops and police to Anguilla.

The Prime Minister

Inquiries are being made in accordance with the usual procedures. If these were to indicate a possible breach of the Official Secrets Acts, to which reference is made in another Question on the Order Paper, it would be for my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General to consider the matter further.

Mr. Lipton

Does it not look as if there were a complete hand-out or tip-off to the Press of all the operational details of this exercise which might seriously have imperilled the troops and police involved?

The Prime Minister

I have said that inquiries are being made into this and if, as a result, any action needs to be taken it will be taken.

Mr. Hirst

Whilst I in no way condone breaches of the Official Secrets Act or violence that may arise from them, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to give an assurance that he does not propose to drop any paratroops on Walthamstow?

Sir Knox Cunningham

Will the Prime Minister say whether or not this was one of the usual Government leaks?

The Prime Minister

There have been problems in successive Governments of unauthorised information getting out. I remember raising a number of questions myself when I was on the other side of the House. Under successive Governments there are appropriate means of inquiring into these matters. If any action needs to be taken as a result of these inquiries, that action will be taken. If it were under the Official Secrets Act the House would not want me to comment.

Mr. Marten

Will the Prime Minister sent up an impartial inquiry to look into and decide upon the evidence upon which it was decided to invade Anguilla, and the extent to which that evidence was cross-checked before the decision to invade was taken?

The Prime Minister

That does not arise out of this Question. The hon. Member will recall that Anguilla was debated by the House at considerable length yesterday, and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary dealt with all relevant aspects. I have nothing to add to what he said yesterday.