§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Home Secretary whether there is to be a development of the Special Service Branch of Scotland Yard on the lines of the Continental secret services under Mr. Basil Thomson; if so, what is the estimated cost of the new service; and under what Vote in the Estimates is it to be found?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo, Sir; Mr. Basil Thomson will remain in charge of the Special Branch at Scotland Yard, and will carry on the work of that branch on the same lines as hitherto. There will be no development of the Special Branch conducted on what the hon. Member describes as the lines of the Continental secret services, which is quite foreign to the traditions of the English police. The expense of any additional work that may be found necessary will be defrayed from the Vote for Secret Service. No estimate can yet be made of this, but it will be small.