§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the present remit of MI5 extends to monitoring pressure groups involved in campaigns against genetically modified food. [73399]
§ Mr. StrawThe Security Service has no powers to investigate any such pressure group and therefore does not do so unless it is suspected of presenting a threat to national security or to the economic well-being of the United Kingdom; or unless the Service has been tasked by a law enforcement agency to investigate the group because it is suspected of involvement in serious crime.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if MI5 is empowered to disconnect phone lines connected to organisations for the purpose of preventing possible subversion; if explicit authorisation is required from him for such action; and if he will make a statement. [73407]
§ Mr. StrawThe Security Service will undertake operations involving entry onto or interference with property only in accordance with its statutory functions and under the authority of a warrant issued by the Secretary of State in accordance with section 5 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994. It has been the policy of successive Governments not to disclose information about Security Service operations.