§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 15 December 1994 on security vetting,Official Report, coluiri 764, where civil servants who undergo vetting are informed as to why they have been refused security clearance; whether they are given an opportunity to contest the accuracy of information held against them; whether they are informed of any appeals process; and if he will make a statement. [19104]
§ The Prime MinisterUnder the security vetting system introduced on 1 January 1995, civil servants in post must always be informed of the outcome of their vetting. An individual who is refused security clearance will be informed of the reasons for this. In a small number of exceptional cases, considerations of national security and maintaining the confidential nature of the information provided by referees may limit disclosure. If a clearance has been denied on the grounds of criminal convictions, or as a result of financial inquiries, the individual will be shown the information on which the decision was based and will have the opportunity to correct any inaccuracies. Under the grievance procedures provided for in the civil service management code, it is open to civil servants to appeal against any management decisions which affect them adversely, including vetting decisions.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 15 December 1994 on security vetting,Official Report, column 764, if he will outline the safeguards he has put in place to protect those who are vetted; and if he will make a statement. [19105]
§ The Prime MinisterAll candidates for security vetting are asked to complete a security questionnaire which explains the purpose of the procedure and invites them to provide the personal details required for the necessary checks to be carried out. Only the checks listed in my statement to the House of 15 December 1994 are carried out. All information given for the purpose of the vetting process is treated in confidence and protected accordingly.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 15 December 1994 on security vetting,Official Report, column 764, to what extent the basic check involves the use of criminal records and criminal intelligence to ensure that potential recruits are reliable and trustworthy; whether contractors, needing to carry out basic checks, will be able to access information from police sources to access whether potential recruits are reliable and trustworthy; and if he will make a statement. [19103]
§ The Prime MinisterThe basic check is designed to assure Departments that potential recruits are reliable and trustworthy primarily through the verification of identity, the taking up of character references and self-declaration of unspent criminal convictions. In some exceptional cases, however, it may be decided, with Cabinet Office—Office of Public Service and Science approval, that additional checks are necessary. This may involve a check against the national collection of criminal records. Contractors are not able to access these records and the department or agency placing the contract conducts this part of the check.