§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to ensure that the destruction of files by MI5 will not(a) destroy material of historical importance and (b) prevent instances of error by MI5 from emerging. [26277]
§ Mr. StrawI rely on the Director General of the Security Service to ensure the proper operation of the Service's record management system, including the system for reviewing files in accordance with the criteria described in my reply to the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) on 20 January 1998,Official Report, column 519–20.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to complete his review into providing information relating to the number of individuals on whom MI5 holds files. [26280]
§ Mr. StrawI have nothing to add to my letter of 23 December 1997 in which I informed the hon. Member 335W that, for the present, I proposed to continue the practice of successive Governments in not disclosing such information but that I was reviewing the matter and that it might be that we should, in due course, feel able to provide some information on the subject. I shall keep the matter under review and, if there are to be any changes to the present arrangements, I shall make an announcement.