Nicholas Soames: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what preparatory work is being undertaken in anticipation of the next National Security Strategy; and if he will make a statement; [173512]

(2) what the budget for the National Security Strategy is for (a) 2013-14, (b) 2014-15 and (c) 2015-16. [173513]

Mr Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General: Departments across Whitehall are doing early preparatory work for the 2015 National Security Strategy. The Government wants to undertake, in advance, as much analysis as practicable. This includes defining how the future strategic context has changed since 2010. The review will begin in earnest next year and be conducted formally after the general election in 2015. In the meantime, the Government's priority remains implementing the decisions made in 2010.

Resources for the national security strategy are drawn from existing departmental budgets.

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