§ Mr. KynochTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance he intends to issue to the police about the practice of telephone metering; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangI have been reviewing the arrangements currently in place whereby the police obtain information 911W from the telecommunications operators about use of the network. This information concerns the destination, timing and duration of calls, but does not involve listening to conversations. I am satisfied that the statutory requirements are being met and that there is no need for legislative change. Nevertheless, there are sensitivities involved in providing access to this information, disclosure of which is generally an offence except when made to help prevent or detect crime or for the purposes of criminal proceedings. I have, therefore, approved the issue of operating guidelines to police forces in Scotland. A circular issued today covers such issues as the seriousness of the offence to justify the approach for information; the level of police rank required to authorise an application; and the safeguarding of the information obtained. The circular also requires chief constables to make an annual return to my Department on the number of occasions on which such information is sought; and to confirm that the guidance was adhered to in every case.
£ million 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 ESF>1 2— 1— 15.2 16.1 17.1 17.6 ERDF 95 68 84 133.8 82.5 78.7 EAGGF (Guidance) 18.2 15.9 18.5 21.9 3— 3— EAGGF4 (Guarantee) 48.3 50.9 70.6 93.9 3— 3— 1 Figures for objectives 2 and 5b only. Figures for objectives 3 and 4 could only be provided at disproportionate cost. 2 Not available—ESF figures not held on a regional basis before 1990. 3 Information not yet available. 4 Relates to schemes operated by the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department. Further schemes operated on a United Kingdom basis by the Intervention Board executive agency have an unidentified Scottish share.