Hello is that MI5? (1'29")

Forget 007. Now it's 0171 ...

The British Security Service, MI5, is making a dramatic break with tradition, and is openly listing its phone number in the telephone directory. (OK we know: James Bond is with the overseas lot, MI6).

But the new MI5 number - 0171 930 9000 - is for genuine spooks only.

General enquiries are being redirected and jokers and hoax calls are screened.

The new MI5 Phoneline is aimed particularly at members of terrorist groups and other subversive organisations who are ready to turn double agent and supply information.

It is the first time in its 89-year history that the MI5 has opened up its phone lines for public business.

The service is listed under both "MI5" and "Security Service".

Callers are put through to an operator in the Service's headquarters at Thames House in Westminster.

The lines are open from 7.30am to 11.30pm, seven days a week.

But screening systems have been put in place to weed out the expected early rush of crank callers and hoaxers.

Announcing the move in a Commons written answer, Home Secretary Jack Straw said: "The purpose of the Phoneline is to make it easier for people to pass on information which could help the Service do its work.

"The phone will not serve as a general inquiry point about the Security Service."

General inquiries or people looking for recruitment information about joining the service - rather than working as an informant - will be politely but firmly directed to write in to the Inquiries Desk at PO Box 3255, London SW1P 1AE.
 

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