Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his assessment is of the potential financial and commercial implications for the UK information techology industry of the release of classified material relating to the operation of the intelligence and security services by Edward Snowden; and if he will make a statement. [191824]

Michael Fallon, Minister of State for Business and Energy: As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made clear on 16 October 2013, speculation prompted by Edward Snowden's actions has been very damaging to national security.

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