Written question asked by Jon Trickett (Labour) on Thursday, 27 October 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 October 2011. It was answered by Simon Burns (Conservative) on Thursday, 3 November 2011 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Departmental Security

Question: (3) what level of security vetting is required for (a) special advisers and (b) ministerial-appointed policy advisers in his Department; and if he will list each person who has held these posts since May 2010;

Answer: Information on vetting can be found in the booklet ““HMG Personnel Security Controls”” available on the Cabinet Office website at:"www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/hmg-personnel-security-controls"A copy has been placed in the Library.The booklet describes the circumstances in which a post may require the holder to be the subject of national security vetting checks. It would not be appropriate to confirm which specific posts within the Department are the subject of vetting, as this could highlight who has access to sensitive material and be used for targeting purposes.The following individuals have held posts in the Communications Directorate since May 2010:"Head of Communications: Sian Jarvis until September 2011. Post currently vacant; and""Head of News (press office) and a deputy head of communications: James Sorene (until January 2011); Elisabeth Vanderstock (acting) (to June 2011) and Tim Jones (to date)."All security vetting for the Department is carried out by Defence Business Services: National Security Vetting.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 77907; 534 c743-4W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2010-1577
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Deposited papers
House of Lords
House of Commons
Subjects: Security Department of Health
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk