ANNEX I - STANDARD PRACTICE FOR DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTIGATIONS IN THE SECURITY SERVICE

This is the written evidence of the Security Service, taken from their response to the ISC Questionnaire.

1. In investigations into alleged or possible espionage in government departments or agencies, work is carried out in close conjunction with relevant officials. When it is clear that there is a possibility of offences against the Official Secrets Act by a known individual, both Law Officers and the police will be involved.

2. The Home Secretary is briefed on active investigations where there is, or may be, continuing damage. He will be aware of a broader range of investigations than the Law Officers, for example when there is information that classified material has been, or is being, compromised to a foreign power but there is no one person identified as having passed that material. In addition, although ad hoc briefings took place before 1995, since then the Service has briefed the Cabinet Secretary more formally on the main espionage cases. This arrangement was extended to the PUS/Home Office in 1997 and explicitly to the Home Secretary in 1998.

We welcome your comments on this site. Prepared 12 June 2000