HC Deb 09 February 1971 vol 811 cc134-5W
104 and 105. Mr. Abse

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he is aware that the present operation of Section 2 of the Official Secrets Act, 1911, encroaches upon the liberties of the Press and of private individuals; and whether, in order to reconcile the needs of a free Press with the needs of security, he will refer this Section to the Law Commission for review as part of its programme for studying anachronistic law;

(2) whether he is aware of the comments of the trial judge in the recent proceedings taken against the editor of the Sunday Telegraph and others concerning the need to amend Section 2 of the Official Secrets Act, 1911; and, in order to prevent any proceedings being taken on grounds of breaches of security which could become political trials, what action he intends to take to review and amend the Official Secrets Act.

106. Mr. Arthur Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to amend the Official Secrets Act.

107. Mr. Peter Archer

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to amend or repeal Section 2 of the Official Secrets Act, 1911.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has regarding the amendment of the Official Secrets Act.

Mr. Maudling

I would ask the hon. Members to await a statement which I hope to make shortly.