HC Deb 04 December 1997 vol 302 cc297-8W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many full-time equivalent staff are dedicated to supporting the telephone-tapping function of MI5. [18698]

Mr. Straw

It has been the policy of successive Governments not to discuss operational matters relating to the work of the security and intelligence services.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has seen the files held on him by MI5. [18696]

Mr. Straw

I have not asked to see, nor have I seen, any file which the Security Service may hold on me.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what safeguards are in place to ensure that MI5 does not operate outside its legal remit. [18699]

Mr. Straw

The Security Service falls under my authority and I take a close interest in its work, by regular meetings with the Director General and otherwise. The Permanent Secretary and other officials in my Department deal regularly and directly with the Service across the range of its activities, and ensure that I am aware of any significant developments. I receive, annually, reports on the service's performance and plans, and I act as joint sponsor of the Single Intelligence Vote under which the Service is funded. Applications for warrants to intercept communications or interfere with property are submitted to me and are reviewed by independent Commissioners whose annual reports are published.

Complaints from individuals about the Security Service are investigated by an independent Tribunal which, together with the Commissioner, has full access to Security Service documents and information which they need. The service's accounts are scrutinised by the National Audit Office and its overall policy, administration and finance are subject to scrutiny by the Intelligence and Security Committee to which I give evidence from time to time. And finally—but very importantly—the Service has extensive internal procedures to ensure that its operations are properly authorised and comply with statutory requirements.