§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will remove the special hospitals from the provisions of the Official Secrets Act; and if he will give the reasons for his policy.
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§ Dr. VaughanSection 2 of the Official Secrets Act 1911 applies, inter alia, to all persons who hold or have held "office under Her Majesty" and since the staff at the special hospitals are employed directly by the Department of Health and Social Security they fall into this category. The Act does not allow any discretion in the matter and it cannot be changed by administrative means. As has already been announced, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department intends to bring forward a Bill to amend section 2 of the Act.