§ Mr. Gorstasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the results of any polygraph examinations on individuals whose activities have a bearing upon the work or responsibilities of his Department have been brought to the notice of his Department; on how many occasions; by whom; on what dates; for what reasons those results were made known to his Department; if he expects to receive any such reports in the future; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrittanFollowing a recommendation of the Security Commission, the Government are undertaking a pilot study to test the feasibility of using polygraph examinations as part of security screening in the British intelligence and security agencies. The pilot study, which is expected to take two years to complete, will involve a small proportion of the staff of the security service. The outcome of the tests undertaken during the pilot study will need to be assessed and evaluated before any decision can be taken on whether the polygraph should be introduced as part of security screening generally in the intelligence and security agencies.