HC Deb 09 December 2002 vol 396 c108W
Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) which anti-asbestos campaigners were investigated by MI5 between 1972 and 1980; [83485]

(2) if the records compiled during the 1970s on the anti-asbestos campaigners will be opened to the public under the 30-year rule; [83487]

(3) whether MI5 files on anti-asbestos campaigners are still live. [83486]

Mr. Blunkett

It has been the longstanding policy of successive Governments to neither confirm nor deny reports concerning Security Service operations. However, the Service has made clear that it has never investigated people simply because they were office-holders or members of campaigning organisations or pressure groups.