How does the DA-Notice Secretary know when his advice is needed?
• A request to get involved may come from the media, for example a news room ringing to say they intend to publish a particular story which they realise may contain matters covered by the DA-Notices; • Or a request may come from officials, for example The Secret Intelligence Service being aware that a TV company has been filming activities that might reveal the identities of some of their agents; • Or the DA-Notice Secretary himself might learn from his own contacts or reading, for example that a book about the SAS is to be published. • When an important national security issue emerges in which the media might inadvertently publish or broadcast information which could damage national security, the Secretary writes to all UK editors alerting them to consider seeking his advice before releasing sensitive details. • When sensitive information which might result in damage to national security has been released inadvertently by a newspaper or broadcast channel, the Secretary may contact the
