HC Deb 15 June 1977 vol 933 c207W
Mr. Robin F. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a further statement on the remarks of the Under-Secretary of State concerning Mr. Hird in her reply to the Adjournment debate on 5th May, in the light of material sent to him by the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Central.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis assures me that no Special Branch officer has seen or spoken to the managing editor or any other employee of theDaily Mail about Mr. Hird concerning the Official Secrets Act case. It is ordinary practice, however, for the bona fides of a surety to be checked when bail is granted, and it is possible that a police officer other than from Special Branch did contact the Daily Mail for that purpose.