§ 66. Mr. DalyellTo ask the Attorney-General when he expects to reach a decision on the possible prosecution of Mr. Ducan Campbell for alleged breaches of the Official Secrets Act in relation to Project Zircon; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralIn consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions, I expect to have completed my consideration of all relevant matters shortly.
§ Mr. DalyellThat was the answer of some months ago. How, in conscience, does the Attorney-General, who, left to himself, is a decent and humane man, justify dithering about a decision that has been awaited for nine months? Why cannot Duncan Campbell be told one way or the other? Why is the BBC still waiting for the return of the Zircon material from the authorities?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am grateful for the compliment, but I must make it clear that in matters affecting my prosecution function I am always left to myself. This is a complex matter in which short-cuts would not have been appropriate. They might even have been criticised by the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. SackvilleDoes my right hon. and learned Friend agree that any money spent on deterring employees or ex-employees of the security services from betraying the trust placed in them is money well spent? It is important to establish——
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Has the hon. Gentleman read the question? It is about Zircon.