Mr. DavidYoung asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the acquittal of Mr. Clive Ponting, she will now initiate a revision of the Official Secrets Act to ensure that its scope is limited to matters of national security.
§ The Prime MinisterConsiderable thought has already been given to the possible revision of section 2 of the 1911 Act, leading to the conclusion (accepted by the Franks committee) that legislation would not be adequate if it limited criminal sanctions to matters of national security. The Government will continue to give careful consideration to the views which have been or may be expressed on this issue, but I do not see the hon. Member's suggestion as providing an acceptable way forward.