HC Deb 26 January 1987 vol 109 cc1-2W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Attorney-General when he first learned of the existence of (a) the series of programmes on "The Secret Society" and (b) the programme on the Zircon satellite system.

The Attorney-General

I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's answer to him of today.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Attorney-General (1) whether he will prosecute British Aerospace under section 2 of the Official Secrets Act for publishing information as to the location orbits of the Zircon satellite system;

(2) whether he will prosecute Sir Ronald Mason, former defence chief scientific adviser, under the Official Secrets Act, for disclosing information to Duncan Campbell for use in the media on the existence of the Zircon satellite system;

(3) whether he will prosecute Sir Frank Cooper, former permanent secretary at the Ministry of Defence, under the Official Secrets Act for disclosing information on the existence of the Zircon satellite system to Duncan Campbell.

The Attorney-General

The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider whether any criminal proceedings are appropriate and, if so, against whom in the light of the result of the investigation currently being conducted by the Metropolitan police.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Attorney-General on what date he decided to seek an injunction against Duncan Campbell on the question of publishing information in relation to the Zircon satellite system.

The Attorney-General

The Government decided to seek an injunction against Duncan Campbell on 20 January.

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