309.This Section provides for the appointment of an Intelligence Services Commissioner to replace the Commissioners appointed under the Security Service Act 1989 and the Intelligence Services Act 1994. Both posts are currently held by Lord Justice Simon Brown.
310.Subsection (2) details the remit of the Intelligence Services Commissioner.
311.Subsection (7) requires the Secretary of State to provide the Intelligence Services Commissioner with staff, after consultation with him. The provision itself places no limitation on the number of staff and (subject to Treasury approval as to numbers) allows flexibility over the numbers, grades and individuals.
312.Subsection (9) is a transitional provision allowing the existing Intelligence Service Act Commissioner to take office as the new Intelligence Services Commissioner on the coming into force of this section.