§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce restrictions on the manufacture, use and sale of equipment that can be used to eavesdrop on the activities of private individuals.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe have no present plans to impose restrictions on the manufacture and sale of equipment that can be used to receive and amplify sound.
As part of their response to the Calcutt review of press self-regulation—Official Report, 14 January, columns 1067–69—the Government have accepted the case for restrictions on the use of surveillance devices in certain circumstances. We have also accepted the Calcutt recommendations that further consideration should be given to legislation covering the interception of telecommunications, with a view to identifying all significant gaps and determining whether further legislation is needed, and that further consideration should be given to the introduction of a new tort of infringement of privacy.