Written question asked by Hugh Bayley (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 January 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 21 January 2011. It was answered by Lord Robathan (Conservative) on Monday, 24 January 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Defence Vetting Agency: Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress he has made in his consideration of the merits of merging the Defence Vetting Agency with the vetting services of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; and when a decision on this matter will be reached.

Answer: The Ministry of Defence has been working with the Cabinet Office for some time on the opportunities to streamline and simplify security vetting across Government. Currently the processing of vetting is conducted by two organisations, the Defence Vetting Agency and Foreign and Commonwealth Office Services. We continue to look closely at what further improvements could be made as part of the overall efficiency and reform agenda while maintaining the highest standards of protection for HMG assets. No decision has been taken about merging vetting services.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 35822; 522 c21W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Defence Vetting Agency
Monday, 31 January 2011
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Defence Vetting Agency FCO Services
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk