§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister on what date the book "Inside Intelligence" by Anthony Cavendish was referred to the D Notice Committee; on what date the committee cleared the book; whether any alterations or deletions were requested by the committee; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterDiscussions between the Defence Press and Broadcasting Committee and the press, broadcasting authorities and publishers are regarded as having taken place in confidence. It is not our policy to comment on discussions on individual books.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister why Sir Philip Woodfield, the security services counsellor, refused a request from Anthony Cavendish for an interview about his proposed book "Inside Intelligence"; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe responsibilities of Sir Philip Woodfield as staff counsellor for the security and intelligence services were set out in my reply of 2 November 1987, column512, to my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Mr. Whitney). I do not propose to comment on the details of how Sir Philip Woodfield discharges those responsibilities.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister what steps were taken by her Press Secretary on 1 January to publicise the fact that an injunction had been granted to Her Majesty's Government against theSunday Times and The Observer newspapers restraining publication of extracts from the book "Inside Intelligence" by Anthony Cavendish; what 271W is the general practice with regard to the timing, source and scope of Government briefings on such subjects; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe No. 10 Press Office informed the Press Association of the injunction obtained on 1 January. The practice with regard to timing, source and scope of such briefings varies according to the circumstances.