§ Mr. Stanleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry what measures are being taken by his Department to protect the confidentiality of confidential commercial information.
§ Mr. BennAll Departments under all Governments have had long experience of safeguarding confidential commercial information.
§ Mr. Stanleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether all officials in his Department who have sight of confidential commercial information are bound by the Official Secrets Act; and whether a prosecution under that legislation can be made in the event of a leak of confidential commercial information by a member of his Department.
§ Mr. BennAll my officials are bound by the Official Secrets Act. Prosecution for an offence under the Act would be a matter for the Director of Public166W Prosecutions with the consent of the Attorney-General.