Security

HC Deb 15 February 1965 vol 706 c831

22. Mr. Kershaw

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will introduce changes in his Department in the positive vetting procedure.

Mr. Mayhew

No changes are contemplated at present.

Mr. Kershaw

Will the hon. Gentleman settle once and for all the question of what shape the positive vetting procedure should be in his Ministry? Whom does the right hon. Gentleman regard as the Minister ultimately responsible for security, the Secretary of State or the Paymaster-General?

Mr. Mayhew

The different Departments administer positive vetting in each Department. In my Department it is the Secretary of State for Defence.

Mr. Thorneycroft

Can we have an absolute and firm assurance? [Interruption.] I want to ask about security, which is a most important question. Is the Secretary of State for Defence responsible for security inside his own Department?

Mr. Mayhew

Yes, of course. That has never been in question.