§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what briefings were given by Treasury Ministers on the funding of MI5; what meetings have taken place between Treasury Ministers and journalists at which MI5 was discussed; and which journalists were involved. [39197]
§ Mr. DarlingNo such briefings or discussions have taken place about the Security Service's budget. As I announced in a written answer to my hon. Friend the Member for East Ham (Mr. Timms) on 30 October 1997,Official Report, column 884, intelligence agencies are being reviewed as part of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review. The terms of reference have been placed in the library.