§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his Department was consulted by former Detective Inspector Lee Marvin about his intention to publish his recollections of the cases in which he was involved.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggNo.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he proposes to take against Detective Inspector Lee Marvin for publication of information in the Sun newspaper.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggMy right hon. Friend has no power to take action against former police officers who reveal information which was obtained in the course of their police duties. In cases where there appears to have been an offence under the Official Secrets Act, it is for my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General to consider what action should be taken. A retired police officer may also be liable to face an action under the civil law for breach of confidence if he reveals information which was imparted to him in confidence in the course of his police duties.