§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the potential for increasing parliamentary accountability of the central intelligence machinery consistent with the need to protect national security. [44412]
§ he Prime Minister[holding answer 9 June 1998]:The central intelligence machinery in the Cabinet Office is accountable to Ministers, and through them to Parliament, in the same way as any part of the Government service. While the nature of its task necessarily means that details of its work have to be protected, my colleagues and I seek to provide as full information about it as is consistent with the public interest.
§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Prime Minister what changes have been made to the composition of the Intelligence and Security Committee. [45807]
§ The Prime MinisterIn accordance with Section 10 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994, and after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, I have appointed the Right Honourable the Lord Archer of Sandwell QC to be a member of the Intelligence and Security Committee as a replacement for Baroness Ramsay, who was appointed as a Minister on 2 December 1997.
Lord Archer's appointment came into effect on 30 March 1998.