§ Mr. Awberyasked the Attorney-General why he consented to the prosecution of three Bristol citizens under the Official Secrets Act, whose cases were dealt with on Friday 24th May, following their detention in custody for seven days on appearing before the Norfolk Magistrates' Court on lesser charges; and if he will give an undertaking that under such circumstances such charges will not be made against people remanded on lesser charges.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI assume that the hon. Member is referring to three of the case; dealt with by Downham Market Magistrates' Court on. Saturday 25th May in respect of offences committed on Saturday, 18th May. I consented to pro. secution under the Official Secrets Acts in these cases because' there was submitted to me evidence of offences under those Acts and I considered it to be in the public interest that such proceedings should be brought. The only undertaking am prepared to give about cases submitted for my consideration under the Official Secrets Acts is that I will consider each one on its merits.