Business Questions

In my response to my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Andrew Mackinlay) during business questions on 22 May I said:"““We have taken steps to improve the accountability of the security and intelligence services. There will be further steps in that direction in the Constitutional Renewal Bill, which has been published in draft. As I mentioned in response to an earlier question, there will be a possibility for pre-appointment hearings ""by Select Committees, which are an important measure of accountability. I have heard my hon. Friend's points, and I will bring them to the attention of the relevant Ministers.””—[Official Report, 22 May 2008; Vol. 476; c.408]" I would like to clarify that the Constitutional Renewal Bill does not contain provisions to improve the accountability of the security and intelligence services. However, the accompanying Constitutional Renewal White Paper does contain proposals to make significant changes to improve the transparency and effectiveness of the Intelligence and Security Committee through a resolution of both Houses.