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Leakage Of Official Intelligence

Volume 175: debated on Monday 10 June 1907

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I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that in many cases the first intimation to a military unit of a prospective change of its quarters emanates from the canteen contractor supplying that unit, and that in the case of the first appointment of an officer the news is often derived from the representative of a military tailor touting for the order for that officer's uniform, he will take steps to put a stop to such leakages of official intelligence.

Every effort is made to suppress leakages of official information, and persons who have improperly given information are dealt with when discovered.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these malpractices are of very long standing, and that recent cases show that they are still very prevalent? Cannot he prohibit these brewers and tailors who indulge in the practice from being on the list of War Office contractors?

But surely the right hon. Gentleman can control the sources of information—the people at the War Office who give the information to the brewer and the tailor?

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to deal with it in the manner I have suggested?