HL Deb 09 June 1989 vol 508 c1057

Viscount Hanworth asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether all embassies, including their own, in foreign countries, try to gather the maximum useful intelligence information they can and whether all governments on occasion may find it necessary to deport some individuals who are too successful in this regard.

The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Lord Trefgarne)

My Lords, it has long been the practice of successive British governments not to comment on intelligence and security matters. I do not propose to depart from that convention today.

Viscount Hanworth

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that uninformative reply. Bearing in mind our better relations with Russia and also bearing in mind that all countries bug foreign embassies if they can, when it is necessary to deport someone from an embassy is it not better to keep the fact quiet and not allow it to become a major diplomatic matter? Surely the Minister will agree that it is hypocritical and even childish to do so?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I am sorry if my original Answer was not clear. I do not believe that I can help the noble Lord further.

Lord Wigoder

My Lords, will the noble Lord not consider making some comment when the time is right?

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