§ Mr. Quentin DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has received on instances of information on the identities of British soldiers or former soldiers who may be called upon to testify to the Saville Inquiry falling into unauthorised hands; and if he will make a statement. [47059]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 11 April 2002]: I understand that the names of 76 soldiers (some of whom are deceased) have been disclosed in advertently by the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, mainly in historical documents 710W passed by the inquiry to the interested parties. Two names have been disclosed inadvertently by the team of lawyers representing the majority of soldiers. The name of one soldier has been compromised as a result of a security breach in the Treasury Solicitor's Department; this is the subject of a continuing investigation.
Many soldiers' names have become publicly associated with Bloody Sunday. Senior officers were not granted anonymity in 1972, while other soldiers have made statements or given interviews in which they name themselves or colleagues.
The soldiers whose names have been compromised have been, or will be, provided with security advice and additional protective measures where appropriate.
§ Mr. Quentin DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has recently reviewed the security arrangements for the handling of information relating to British soldiers and former soldiers by Treasury Counsel and others concerned with the Saville Inquiry; and if he will make a statement. [47125]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 11 April 2002]: Security arrangements in Government Departments, and for those acting on their behalf, are reviewed regularly.
The Bloody Sunday Inquiry is independent of government and its security arrangements are a matter for the inquiry itself. My understanding is that in safeguarding sensitive or personal information the inquiry aims to follows normal public sector procedures and standards.