§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the source or sources of his statement of 12 February,Official Report, column 116, that by all accounts Colin Wallace took a great interest in collecting any information, story or rumour which might be of interest.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe collection of information as background for briefing is a normal feature of the duties of information officers. The statement to which the hon. Member has referred was intended as a general acknowledgement of the long hours and considerable effort expended by Mr. Wallace in understanding all aspects of the Northern Ireland situation which might have been relevant to the fight against terrorism. Evidence to that effect was given to the Civil Service appeal board, and is available to Mr. David Calcutt QC in his inquiry.