HC Deb 03 August 1971 vol 822 cc1331-3
Q4. Mr. William Hamilton

Q7. Mr. Leslie Huckfield

The Prime Minister

I have nothing to add to my statement of 17th June.

Mr. Hamilton

As the right hon. Gentleman has confirmed the report in The Guardian of 26th July that four people had been arrested, can he say whether any of those four were associated with activities within foreign embassies, and to what extent foreign embassies are being investigated by Scotland Yard in this connection?

The Prime Minister

It has been publicly announced that arrests have been made, and charges made, too. In that respect these matters are sub judice, and I think the hon. Gentleman will agree that it would be improper for me to comment on any aspects of the activities of those concerned.

Mr. Huckfield

Is the Prime Minister aware that there is increasing evidence that information from Government Departments—and this includes information on private individuals—is finding its way into the hands of private firms, local authorities and all sorts of people who have no right to that information? Is it not about time that certain changes in practice were instituted, and when is the right hon. Gentleman going to do something about it?

The Prime Minister

I have announced to the House the changes that we have made in practice. If the hon. Gentleman—or any other hon. Member—gives me information of the kind that he has cited it will immediately be inquired into. When the matters were raised by The Guardian immediate action was taken, and, as a result of police inquiries, further legal action has been taken. I cannot now comment on that, or take further action until the cases have been disposed of.

Mr. Harold Wilson

Will the Prime Minister recognise that no one will expect him to make any statement on matters that are sub judice, but should there be any further development as a result of the Government's investigation, following the statement in The Guardian, will he undertake to keep the House informed while we are sitting, and during the recess, if there is anything about which he thinks the House ought to be informed, will he use the methods available to him to make a public statement so that hon. Members can know what the situation is?

Further, while the Prime Minister cannot comment on any individual cases before the courts now, or on any further cases that there may be, should he decide that it is desirable to make further changes in the machinery of Government to deal with this problem, will he make an early statement, even if the House is not sitting?

The Prime Minister

I am prepared to give all those assurances. If anything emerges either from the tribunal that is now sitting or as a result of the cases to be heard in the courts we can act immediately to prevent any recurrence of it, and I shall state publicly exactly what we have done.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

On a security matter which is no longer sub judice, may I ask the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied that his predecessor did justice in the case of Colonel Lohan, and has he any further inquiry in mind?

The Prime Minister

I have no comment to make on that.