HL Deb 02 February 1955 vol 190 cc903-4
LORD VANSITTART

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in view of the employment in a position affording access to secret files of a recently convicted agent in the pay of the Soviet Embassy and a known member of the Communist Party, more effective precautions have now been taken to prevent the recurrence of such laxity.]

EARL FORTESCUE

My Lords, I assume that the noble Lord is referring to the recent case of John Clarence, a civilian clerk who was employed by the Northumberland Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Association. As a result of this case, Her Majesty's Government have taken special steps to ensure that all security regulations are strictly and scrupulously enforced.

LORD VANSITTART

May I ask the noble Earl whether any action has been taken in regard to the man, Mr. Barabanov, in the Soviet Consulate who actually suborned Mr. Clarence?

EARL FORTESCUE

My Lords, I regret that I have no information on that subject. I must have notice of that question, please.