HC Deb 23 March 1984 vol 56 c591W
Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will define the term national security when used in official publications and Government statements.

Mr. Hurd

This term has been in general use for many years in a variety of contexts and is generally understood to refer to the safeguarding of the state and the community against threats to their survival or well-being. I am not aware that any previous Administration have thought it appropriate to adopt a specific definition of the term.