To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to protect the security of personal data held by his Department, with particular reference to interference by militant extremists; and if he will make a statement. (190450)

The Ministry of Defence regulations require that personal data are protected in accordance with legal statute and the Government’s own internal security guidance. The Ministry of Defence is fully engaged in the Cabinet Office led Data Handling Review and we have confirmed to Robert Hannigan’s team our committed to meeting the implementation dates he has set. In addition, I have also invited Sir Edmund Burton, Chairman of the Information Assurance Advisory Council, to examine the adequacy of the measures taken to protect personal data held by the MOD. Depending on his findings, I will consider what further measures may be required.