HC Deb 23 May 1978 vol 950 c1325
14. Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what access his Department gives to the Service records of members and ex-members of the Armed Forces.

Dr. Gilbert

The Service record of a member or ex-member of the Armed Forces is normally disclosed only with his consent.

Mr. Canavan

Will my right hon. Friend take all the necessary steps to ensure that there is no leak of any information which could be used by unscrupulous recruiting agencies, especially in view of recent reports that British ex-Service men are operating as mercenaries in Rhodesia?

Dr. Gilbert

I certainly undertake to act as my hon. Friend requests. If he has knowledge of any cases in which information has leaked out without the consent of a Service man I shall be happy if he will bring them to my attention.