§ Mr. Beithasked the Prime Minister whether she is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to improve security in the light of the Diplock reports.
§ The Prime MinisterThe recommendations of the Security Commission in May 1981, following the case of John Barry Wagstaff, have been implemented. Considerable progress has also been made towards implementing the commission's recommendations, following its review of security procedures and practices in the public service, which were set out in the Government's statement on 20 May 1982.
§ Mr. Andersonasked the Prime Minister whether, in the light of the disquiet expressed by the Security Commission regarding the storage and retrieval of classified information on computers referred to in paragraph 26 of the "Statement of the Recommendations of the Security Commission" (Cmnd. 8540), she is now satisfied with arrangements in this field and in particular with arrangements to prevent penetration by hostile intelligence services; and if she will make a further statement on security generally.
§ Mr. Arthur Davidsonasked the Prime Minister if she will make a further statement on the recommendations of the Security Commission contained in Cmnd. 8540 and the disquiet expressed in paragraph 26 about the security of the storage and retrieval of classified information.
§ The Prime MinisterAs recommended by the Security Commission, a senior committee is being established to consider policy on all aspects in this field and to coordinate its application. Revised and updated guidance on computer security in Government Departments is being prepared. As the commission recognised, the speed of 113W technological change in computers and office automation means that the problems of security in this area will need to be reviewed continuously, and this will be the committee's task.