To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will ensure that all operations carried out by the Inc., its successor bodies, or other similar units are subject to the same rules of accountability as apply to operations carried out officially by MI6. (95300)

[holding answer 19 October 2006]: My responsibility for the work of the Secret Intelligence Service is set out in the Intelligence Services Act 1994. There are well-established procedures for ensuring compliance with the terms of this and other relevant legislation, and for the accountability of the service. These procedures encompass any person, including any UK Crown servant, acting in support of the service in the carrying out of its functions under the Act.

It is the long-standing policy of the Government not to comment on operational intelligence matters or the activities of UK Special Forces.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make it her policy to state where it is the case that members of the Inc. or similar bodies have been involved when asked whether British military personnel are involved in an operation. (95302)

[holding answer 19 October 2006]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him today (UIN 95300).