HC Deb 20 May 1980 vol 985 cc149-50W
Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Lord Privy Seal what instructions are issued to his officials about the release of classified information to former employees of his Department.

Mr. Hurd

All officials are made aware that they are subject to the provisions of the Official Secrets Acts and to disciplinary regulations.

Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether Mr. Don Cook, an official of his Department, was authorised to release classified information to Mr. Frank Wilks and Mr. Alec Garland, former officials in his Department.

Sir Ian Gilmour

Mr. Garland is not a former member of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

When inquiries are known to be being made into Government communications headquarters' activities, some of which are secret, it is normal to remind staff who may be concerned, including former staff where appropriate, of their obligations under Official Secrets Acts. Mr. Wilks was so reminded. No classified information was involved.