Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament: Special Report Debate

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Department: Leader of the House
Monday 4th November 2019

(4 years, 6 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Earl Howe Portrait Earl Howe
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Understandably, the committee has access to highly sensitive information that allows it to carry out its oversight duties. The reports it produces often contain information that, were it to be released, might damage the ability of those the ISC oversees to discharge their functions. That is why the governing Act allows for a period of time for the Prime Minister to consider the report carefully. That is what is happening at the moment.

Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town Portrait Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Lab)
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My Lords, what has the Prime Minister got to hide?

Earl Howe Portrait Earl Howe
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My Lords, I regret the implication in that question: the noble Baroness is implying that the Prime Minister does have something to hide, and I repudiate that suggestion in emphatic terms. The normal processes are being exercised and the report will be published in due course.