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Proceeding contribution from Mike Penning (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 3 November 2009. It occurred during Committee of the Whole House (HC) and Debate on bill on Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill.

Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill

Can the Minister clarify whether GCHQ is now being considered in the same way as the other intelligence services? As we have heard, that has been sought for some time. Its inclusion in this part of the Bill would be a clear indication that the Government have looked again at how it is seen in the context of the intelligence services. What exactly is GCHQ's position? It looks as though there has been a turnaround, or change, in Government policy with the result that GCHQ is now linked with the other two intelligence services; otherwise, I cannot think why it is included in the exclusions listed Bill. Can the Minister clarify what will happen to civil servants who have been seconded to GCHQ from other Departments or agencies? Will they be protected in any way? They obviously have to sign the relevant documentation and the Official Secrets Act, but there are civil servants who are seconded to GCHQ from other Departments and other agencies around the world. What will be their position? Will they be covered by the Bill?

Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
498 c772 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Staff Conditions of employment Codes of practice Courts Conduct Annual reports Civil servants Civil service Diplomatic service GCHQ Public appointments Ministers Peers Nationality Special advisers Reform Tribunals Treaties Migrant workers Scotland Senior civil servants Civil Service Commission
Legislation
Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill 2008-09 to 2009-10
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk