§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give a detailed list of the persons, organisations and Governments whom he approached with a view to assisting him in the preparation of his White Paper on the Official Secrets Act and freedom of information; and what was the response from the Australian, American and Swedish Governments to his approach.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe White Paper was not prepared in consultation with other Governments, or private organisations and individuals. The White Paper is mainly concerned with the reform of section 2 of the Official Secrets Act 1911 and consequently it took account of the Franks report and subsequent comment on it. It also took account of information about foreign practice, which was already available. More detailed study of overseas experience is now envisaged, as indicated in the White Paper.