asked the Attorney-General whether he will undertake not to sanction any further prosecutions under the Official Secrets Act 1911, section 2, pending the passage of legislation to replace it, promised in the Gracious Speech.

No. As I said in reply to a Question on 13th December 1976, I shall continue to consider each case on its merits in deciding whether it would be in the public interest to consent to a prosecution. In appropriate cases it will be open to me to take into account will be open to me to take into account the recommendations of the Franks committee, the proposals of the Government and the views expressed in this House and elsewhere in determining whether it is in the public interest to grant my consent.