§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Attorney-General under what circumstances those accused of spying are prosecuted for treason.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe elements of the offence of treason differ greatly from those of offences contrary to section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1911—spying—and the facts of a case very rarely disclose the commission of both offences. If this situation arose—and it is unlikely to do so other than in times of war or hostilities —proceedings would be instituted for either or both offences as appropriate having regard to the usual evidential and public interest consideration.