Intelligence and Security Committee

Debate between Malcolm Rifkind and Philip Hollobone

Monday 21st November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Sir Malcolm Rifkind]

I thank my hon. Friend for his contribution to the work of the Committee. He and I visited GCHQ and saw at first hand the increasing threat from cyber that this country faces from a number of sources. I therefore very much endorse his comments.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

I am enjoying my right hon. and learned Friend’s speech immensely. In his Committee’s report, in recommendations K and E, the Committee identifies a wider technological problem facing our security services. In recommendation E the Committee says:

“We are concerned about GCHQ’s inability to retain a suitable cadre of internet specialists to respond to the threat”,

and in recommendation K it states:

“The Committee recognises that the Security Service needs IT specialists in order to deliver its major technology projects. However, spending on consultants and contractors continues to increase at a significant rate.”

Does my right hon. and learned Friend share my concern that although his Committee has identified this as a problem, the Government are not yet up to speed in providing the answer that his Committee seeks?