SECURITY INQUIRY

Press, Volume C, Issue 29511, 12 May 1961, Page 15

SECURITY INQUIRY

Secret Talks At Commons (N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) LONDON. May 10. The British Prime Minister (Mr Macmillan), in private talks with Labour leaders today, faced demands for a high-level inquiry into the case of George Blake, the former Foreign Office employee, who last week was sentenced to 42 years’ gaol for spying for Russia. The secret GovernmentOpposition talks at the House of Commons came after a wide newspaper and parliamentary outcry over the Blake case, and concern over its possible effects on British security. Details of the discussions were being kept secret, but Mr Gaitskell. the Labour Party leader, has made clear that he seeks an inquiry which would probe such questions as the checking of people who are appointed to the Foreign Service and given responsible posts. The Government, though saying it appreciated the importance of allaying public anxiety, so far has been unconvinced that an inquiry .would solve the problems involved.

Mr Macmillan told Parliament last Thursday he did not think it would serve any useful purpose. But he proposed the talks with Labour which are now taking place. After the meeting, Mr Macmillan was believed to have decided to make a statement in the Commons tomorrow on security precautions.