§ 55. Mr. Winnickasked the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the progress of the Government's case in the Australian court in respect of a book concerning an ex-MI5 official.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe principle we are seeking to establish is clear—all those who served and have served in the security service owe a life-long duty of confidentiality to the Crown.
So far as the proceedings in Sydney are concerned, I must remind the House that I am the plaintiff and therefore cannot comment on anything which is in issue before the court. Although, under the rules of the House, judicial proceedings abroad are not subject to the sub judice rule, I have to be careful to avoid the risk of prejudicing the case or at the worst being in contempt of court in Sydney. It inevitably follows the Government are handicapped in respect of some of the allegations being bandied about.
§ Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Attorney-General if a Law Officer will prosecute the right hon. and learned Member for Wimbledon (Sir M. Havers) under section 2 of the Official Secrets Act for giving confidential information to Mr. Chapman Pincher on 1 January 1983 concerning conversations between Nigel West and Arthur Martin.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralNo, Sir.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Attorney-General when, pursuant to his answer of 26 November, Official Report, column 268, he hopes to complete his consideration with the Director of Public Prosecutions of the allegations against Sir Arthur Franks and Lord Rothschild.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe matter remains under consideration.