§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures are followed in relation to highly sensitive documents leaving Home Office premises; and what guidance is issued on this matter to Home Office staff. [173949]
§ Fiona MactaggartThe Home Office follows the national guidelines laid down in the Manual of Protective Security governing the protective marking of sensitive documents, as well as their storage and handling outside Home Office premises. These are set out in the Departmental Security Unit's Security Guidance, which confirms that all protectively marked documents should be carried securely in a twin-lock brief case, box or pouch and should remain at all times in the immediate possession of the officer concerned.