HC Deb 10 July 1984 vol 63 c483W
Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Her Majesty's Government make it their practice never to regard a lawful activity as either subversive or seeking to undermine the state; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brittan

No. There is a variety of ways in which the safety or well-being of the State may be threatened and attempts made to undermine or overthrow parliamentary democracy. Tactics which are not themselves unlawful could be used with the aim of subverting our democratic system of government.