HC Deb 08 November 1999 vol 337 cc424-5W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the departmental leak investigations in progress, specifying in each case the nature of material leaked. [96343]

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 2 November 1999]: I am aware of seven leak investigations that are in progress in Government Departments. They involve various types of material including internal departmental policy documents, operational information and legal advice to a Department. Each Department is responsible for its own security arrangements, including leak investigations.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Prime Minister how many leak investigations have been instigated since 1 May 1997; how many have identified the culprit; and what action has been taken in each case. [96344]

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 2 November 1999]: Government Departments have notified the Cabinet Office of a total of 58 leak investigations since 1 May 1997. It has been the normal practice of successive Governments not to disclose information on the outcome of investigations.