§ Mr. Canavanasked the Prime Minister how many people still living have been granted immunity from prosecution after being involved in espionage activities; and whether she will name them.
§ The Prime MinisterThe grant of immunity from prosecution is not a matter for me or the Government but for my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General, who gave the informa-870W tion requested in the course of his speech in the House on 21 November 1979.
§ Mr. Canavanasked the Prime Minister whether Messrs. Blunt and Cairncross, recently revealed as having been involved in espionage activities, received any Civil Service pension or other State benefit subsequent to their confessions; and, if so, whether they are still receiving any such benefits.
§ The Prime MinisterAs a result of their resignations in 1945 and 1952 respectively, Messrs. Blunt and Cairncrosslost any eligibility for a Civil Service pension and none has been paid. As to social security benefits, generally the right to such benefits, including retirement benefits, is guaranteed by law under social security legislation—although a person may be disqualified from receiving benefit during periods of imprisonment.