HC Deb 03 March 1978 vol 945 cc419-20W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will give for all of the various public authorities and servants for which he has overall responsibility the number who are covered by the Official Secrets Act; how many have to sign a declaration under the Act at the latest date; and how these figures compare with October 1974.

Mr. Deakins

Although the term "to sign the Official Secrets Act" is in common use, it is, in fact misleading. Many public servants and most civil servants are required to sign a declaration acknowledging that the provisions of the Official Secrets Act 1911, as amended, have been brought to their attention, but the Act applies nevertheless to all persons who are in possession of official information whether or not they are Crown servants.

As no central record is maintained of the number of servants of public authorities within my right hon. Friend's field of responsibility who have signed the declaration, I am unable to provide the information my hon. Friend is seeking. Most civil servants within my right hon. Friend's jurisdiction have signed the declaration.