HC Deb 19 May 1997 vol 294 c7W
Mr. Winnick

To ask the President of the Council if she intends to propose the setting up of a Select Committee to oversee the security services. [78]

Mrs. Ann Taylor

There is already an Intelligence and Security Committee established under the Intelligence Services Act 1994 to examine the expenditure, administration and policy of the Secret Intelligence Service, Security Service and GCHQ. It reports annually to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister who is required to lay a copy of the Committee's annual report before each House of Parliament. My right hon. Friend is in the process of considering the appointment of hon. Members to that Committee within the terms of the Act and will make an announcement in due course.