Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Paragraph: 65
We acknowledge the Secretary of State’s concern about the workload entailed by involvement of multiple...
Conclusion
We acknowledge the Secretary of State’s concern about the workload entailed by involvement of multiple committees in scrutinising the ISU but would argue that this should not be a barrier to effective scrutiny. FAC’s important contribution to UK national security and foreign investment was recognised in the Government response to our report in February 2021. Following our scrutiny of the National Security and Investment Bill, it is our intention to monitor its effectiveness. This requires the Government to furnish us with the necessary information.
Paragraph Reference:
65
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government believes it is right that the BEIS Select Committee should oversee the work of the ISU in its operation of the NSI Act. This is the Parliamentary Committee with responsibility for overseeing the work of BEIS, where the ISU is housed. The Government has committed to ensuring the BEIS Select Committee has access to the information it needs to undertake such scrutiny, and a Memorandum of Understanding underpinning these arrangements will be published in due course. The Government will continue to work with the Foreign Affairs Committee and other relevant Parliamentary committees to ensure that they are appropriately informed of the NSI system and the work of the ISU. This includes scrutiny by the Science and Technology Select Committee, where the work of the Unit falls within the specific remit of that Committee. The Government also welcomes the Intelligence and Security Committee’s continued scrutiny of the work of the intelligence community, including where that supports the work of the ISU.