HL Deb 17 October 1984 vol 455 cc1073-4WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will establish a public inquiry into secrecy in this country with especial reference to the operations of the intelligence and security services.

The Lord President of the Council (Viscount Whitelaw)

No, my Lords.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will now bring the intelligence and security services under parliamentary surveillance and control.

Viscount Whitelaw

The tradition in this country, accepted by successive Governments of both parties, is that the security services are accountable to Ministers and that Parliament trusts Ministers to discharge that responsibility faithfully. It remains the Government's view that this is the most appropriate way of conducting these affairs in the national interest.