HC Deb 13 April 1972 vol 834 cc1429-30
Q5. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Prime Minister what progress has been made on improving security within Government Departments in the last three months, and in particular within the Ministry of Defence.

The Prime Minister

Security in Government Departments, including the Ministry of Defence, is kept under constant review.

Mr. Hamilton

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the recent case concerning the Navy suggests that prima facie there is need for a tightening-up of security in naval establishments, bearing in mind that a relatively junior officer had access to material which the Law Officers of the Crown described as being of an extremely serious security nature?

The Prime Minister

I understand that in the case to which the hon. Gentleman is referring, to which, of course, I attach full seriousness, an appeal against sentence is pending. It would, therefore, not be proper for me to discuss the details of the case.

In accordance with the usual custom, I have informed the Leader of the Opposition that I have asked the Chairman of the Security Commission to examine a factual statement concerning this matter and to advise me about it.

Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

Apart from anything within the Ministry of Defence, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he has indicated to the Soviet Embassy how unsatisfactory it is that attempts should be made by them to subvert British naval or Service personnel under the cloak of diplomatic activity?

The Prime Minister

The Soviet Government are well aware of our attitude in this matter, which we have shown clearly in practice.