§ Ann McKechinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are for the conduct of the Quinquennial Review of the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre Defence Agency. [6456]
§ Mr. IngramThe Defence Intelligence and Security Centre (DISC) Defence Agency is responsible for the training of the armed forces and other intelligence agencies in intelligence and security disciplines; to maintain an operational capability; and to contribute to effective and timely advice to the armed forces on appropriate intelligence and security matters. A review of the DISC will be conducted by a team of military and civilian personnel under the leadership of a Ministry of Defence civil servant. The work will be overseen by a Steering Group chaired by the Director General Intelligence Collection, who is the owner of the agency.
The review will be conducted in two phases. Phase I will conduct a challenging examination of the current arrangements, taking into account the requirements and views of customers, staff and other stakeholders, and identify organisational/structural options for future service provision. Phase 1, for which preliminary work has already been set in hand, is expected to be completed by the end of October 2001.
Following consultations, Phase 2 will develop detailed proposals for improvements in performance and service delivery, and is expected to be completed by the end of February 2002.
There will be a consultation with stakeholders throughout the process, but the Ministry of Defence is also keen to hear the views of other interested parties, including suggestions for improvements to the provision of services. Any comments should be sent by 15 September 2001 addressed to:
- The Head of the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre
- Review Team
- Room 302
- Old War Office Building
- Whitehall
- London SW1A 2EU.