Spy agencies fear terror groups could get chemical weapons in Syria Sir John told the committee there was the risk of "a highly worrying proliferation around the time of the regime fall." The committee concluded: "There has to be a significant risk that some of the country's chemical weapons stockpile could fall into the hands of those with links to terrorism, in Syria or elsewhere in the region. If this happens, the consequences could be catastrophic. William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, said Britain could supply equipment to protect Syrian civilians against chemical and biological weapon attacks. He also said the UK is exploring the possibility of establishing civilian policing structures in opposition areas as part of the Government's non-lethal assistance to the country. But Mr Hague said no decision has been taken to arm the rebels or for military intervention by the UK, adding any decision will be put to the House of Commons on a substantive motion. The ISC report also said there is now a risk that extremist elements in Syria could take advantage of the "permissive environment" there to plot attacks on targets in the West. "Large numbers of radicalised individuals have been attracted to the country, including significant numbers from the UK and Europe," the report said. They are likely to acquire expertise and experience which could significantly increase the threat posed when they return home. Furthermore, there is growing concern about the risks around extremist groups in Syria gaining access to regime stocks of chemical weapons. The report also highlighted the growing threat of attacks by "lone actors" who radicalise themselves without travelling to known terror hot spots around the world. One Home Office official told the committee: "There is no doubt that the more sophisticated people in al Qaeda recognise that groups are, in some ways, a thing of the past; and that encouraging lone acts of terror is exactly the way forward." The ISC also expressed concern that the agencies were struggling to find projected efficiency savings due to be completed by 2014-15 - potentially putting front line services at risk. And it highlighted the threat to the UK of cyber attacks which GCHQ said is "at its highest level ever and expected to rise further still." It revealed that sensitive Ministry of Defence data was stolen in one cyber attack.