§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Attorney-General, on what basis he decides who to consult before initiating prosecutions under the Official Secrets Act.
§ The Attorney-GeneralAs in the case of a prosecution for any offence, before I authorise a prosecution under the Official Secrets Acts I consult any person who I consider is likely to be able to inform me of considerations which I might wish to take into account in deciding whether a prosecution would be in the public interest. If I have no reason to think that there are any such considerations, I do not consult anybody except for my hon. Friend the Solicitor-General and the Director of Public Prosecutions.