§ Mr. Heathasked the Prime Minister whether the Security Commission has yet reported on the case of Chief Technician Britten; and when the Commission's report will be published.
§ The Prime MinisterIn accordance with the procedures regarding the Security Commission which were announced to the House on 23rd January, 1964, and on 10th May, 1965, and after informing the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition, I asked the Security Commission on 11th November to investigate and report upon the circumstances in which Chief Technician Douglas Ronald Britten had been charged with a number of offences under the Official Secrets Act, and upon any related failure of Departmental Security arrangements or neglect of duty; and in the light of the investigation, to advise 461W whether any change in security arrangements is necessary or desirable.
On 4th November Chief Technician Britten pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to offences under Section 1 of the Official Secrets Act, 1911.
On 29th November the Security Commission reported to me that there had been no failure to apply R.A.F. security procedures or neglect of duty. Copies of its report, from which certain details have been omitted in the interest of national security with the agreement of the Commission, will be available in the Vote Office this afternoon.
The Security Commission had no changes in procedures to recommend, but it suggested that the security risks attaching to amateur radio activities by members of the Armed Forces and of the public service generally should be reassessed by the competent authorities. A review of this matter is already in hand.