Intelligence and Security Committee (Hansard, 10 January 1995)

§ Mr. Winnick
To ask the Prime Minister (1) what is the annual expenditure earmarked for the Intelligence and Security Committee;
(2) if he expects to give oral evidence to the Intelligence and Security Committee;
(3) if senior staff below the level of director general in the security services are to be allowed to give evidence to the Intelligence and Security Committee if the committee requests this;
(4) at what time of the year he expects to receive the first report from the Intelligence and Security Committee;
(5) if officers of the House are involved in staffing the Intelligence and Security Committee.

§ The Prime Minister
I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 21 November 1994,Official Report, column 25.

§ Mr. Winnick
To ask the Prime Minister what considerations underlay the decision to hold meetings of the Intelligence and Security Committee in the Cabinet Office; what consideration was given to holding them in the House; and if he will make a statement.

§ The Prime Minister
The House has always recognised that intelligence issues cannot be dealt with in the same way as normal departmental affairs. Special arrangements have been made therefore for the committee to meet in suitable secure accommodation in the Cabinet Office, reflecting the necessary secrecy of the committee's proceedings.