HC Deb 29 October 1984 vol 65 cc818-9W
Mr. Gerald Howarth

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many prosecutions relating to the unauthorised disclosure of classified information from his Department have been brought in each of the last 10 years.

Mr. Hayhoe

None.

Mr. Gerald Howarth

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied with the arrangement within his Department for protecting the confidentiality of classified information.

Mr. Lawson

I understand that the police investigation of the suspected leak of my Budget in March has confirmed that there was an unauthorised disclosure of classified information, although it has not identified the person or persons responsible. In the light of this investigation new and tighter Budget security arrangements have been put in place.