§ 44. Mr. C. Pannellasked the Prime Minister what qualifications are needed for acceptance into the intelligence ser vice operated by the Foreign Office, in view of the recent case of Regina v. Blake.
§ The Prime MinisterIt has long been the accepted practice of the House under successive Governments that questions relating to intelligence are not matters for public discussion.
§ 45. Mr. C. Pannellasked the Prime Minister whether he will make available to the House more information about the activities over the past nine years of George Blake, in view of the fact that they are well known to a foreign power.
§ 56. Mr. Marshasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the case of Regina v. Blake, he will give an assurance that appropriate steps have been taken to strengthen Government security and counter-espionage measures to prevent such an occurrence in future.
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add at present to the statement which I made to the House on 4th May.
§ 55. Mr. Marshasked the Prime Minister what disciplinary action he has taken consequent upon the trial and conviction of George Blake.
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§ The Prime MinisterNone. I do not necessarily accept the implication in the Question that disciplinary action is called for. But, as I said in my statement on 4th May, I am reviewing all the circumstances with very great care to see whether there are any possible further measure which could be taken to protect this country from treachery of this kind.