HC Deb 14 June 1971 vol 819 c23
27. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek to amend the Companies Act to compel firms to disclose their financial support to organisations engaged in industrial espionage.

Sir J. Eden

I think that this is a matter which would be best considered after the Committee on Privacy, set up by the Home Office in 1970 under the chairmanship of Mr. Kenneth Younger, has reported.

Mr. Jenkins

Is the hon. Gentleman aware, for example, that Common Cause is an organisation which combines support for the Conservative Party with industrial espionage? Will he include in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of organisations which combine political contributions to the Conservative Party with industrial spying?

Sir J. Eden

I am sorry, but I have very little information indeed about industrial espionage and have made no detailed study of the subject.