HC Deb 26 October 1992 vol 212 cc509-10W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about his review of the D notice system including the scope of his review, the period of time it will take and the organisations that will be consulted.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The management of the D notice system is the responsibility of the defence press and broadcasting committee. I understand that the committee, which is composed of representatives of Government Departments and of the press and broadcasting media, decided at a recent meeting to enlarge its annual review of the 'D' notices. It will consider the purpose, scope and operation of the system in the light of the changed international scene and of the Government's commitment to greater openness. The committee intends to complete this work by the spring of 1993 and is inviting those who wish to do so to contribute to its secretary by the end of the year.