§ 33. Mr. Dalyellasked the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the progress of the Director of Public Prosecutions' inquiry into alleged breaches of the Official Secrets Act involving the right hon. Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Parkinson) and Miss Sara Keays.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Director of Public Prosecutions announced on 7 January that there was no evidence available which could support a prosecution in respect of any infringement of the Offiial Secrets Acts arising out of this matter. In these circumstances, the 769 Director has decided to take no further action and has advised the Metropolitan police that no further inquiries by them are required.
§ Mr. DalyellDoes the DPP or the police have access to the relevant Cabinet papers?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralNo, Sir.
§ Mr. John MorrisIn view of the principle of equality under the law, will the Solicitor-General consider prosecuting under the Official Secrets Acts those responsible for disclosing the contents of his recent letter to the Secretary of State for Defence? Can he assure the House—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The same rules must apply to everyone. The question relates to a completely different matter.
§ Mr. MorrisWith respect, Mr. Speaker, I am anxious to ensure that the Official Secrets Acts are applied in the same way and—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. But this question relates to the right hon. Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Parkinson).
§ Mr. MorrisHas the Director of Public Prosecutions been inhibited in any way in his inquiry into this or any other matter concerning possible breaches of the Official Secrets Acts? Can the Solicitor-General assure the House that the law will be applied equally, whether to the right hon. Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Parkinson), the press secretary at No. 10 or anybody else who leaks official documents?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI am happy to give the right hon. and learned Gentleman the assurance that, in the discharge of all of their functions, Law Officers exercise an independent and impartial judgment.