HC Deb 13 March 1987 vol 112 cc319-20W
Mr. Benyon

asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on recent allegations concerning Mr. Graham Mitchell in relation to the security of the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister

The possibility that Mr. Graham Mitchell, Deputy Director General of the security service from 1957 to 1963, might have been a Russian agent was thoroughly and objectively investigated over a number of years and, as in the case of Sir Roger Hollis, the conclusion reached at the end of that investigation was that he had not been an agent of the Russian intelligence services. Mr. Mitchell was informed of this conclusion. I am advised that there is no reason to alter or modify that conclusion in either case.

The publication of allegations of this kind about public servants who cannot defend themselves is to be deplored, as is the damage done by such accusations to the effectiveness and reputation of the security service, on whose skill, efficiency and loyalty we rely, and can rely with confidence, for the defence of our freedom.