Page "Duncan Sandys" Paragraph 4

In 1938 Sandys asked questions in the House of Commons on matters of national security.

He was subsequently approached by two unidentified men, presumably representing the secret services, and threatened with prosecution under section 6 of the Official Secrets Act 1920.

Sandys reported the matter to the Committee of Privileges who held that the disclosures of Parliament were not subject to the legislation though an MP could be disciplined by the House.

The Official Secrets Act 1939 was enacted in reaction to this incident.