30.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the work of the special department of Scotland Yard has been modified or curtailed since the retirement of Sir Basil Thomson?
As I informed the House last month, the Department referred to is being reorganised with a view to securing greater efficiency and economy. To that end modifications are being carried out, and it is hoped that economies may be effected.
Is the work described by the late Chief as being his work being continued by his successor?
I am afraid that I do not know what the late Chief has described as being his work.
Can the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope of this purely War-time Department being wound up as being altogether un-English and against our traditions?
It is not a War-time Department at all.
Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to say that the work of cataloguing political opinions and watching political meetings—purely political work as distinguished from criminal work—has been now abandoned?
No, Sir.
Are we to understand that this very important work, in view of the unrest throughout the world, is being curtailed at the present time?
I have not said anything of the sort. I said that it was being modified with a view to greater efficiency.
33.
asked the Home Secretary what Vote bore the cost of the work of Sir Basil Thomson as recently described by him?
The expenditure I described in reply to a question in this House on the 10th November is borne by the Metropolitan Police Fund, the Treasury grants to which are included in the Vote for Police (England and Wales).
Is any of the work described by Sir Basil Thomson in his articles paid for out of Secret Service money?
I am afraid I cannot answer that, because I have not read the articles.