§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received calling for interceptions of telephone604W conversations involving alleged criminals to be usable as evidence in criminal trials; and if he will make a statement. [18448]
§ Mr. HowardThe right hon. Lord Lloyd of Berwick has raised the issue on a number of occasions, including at chapter 7 of the report of his inquiry into legislation against terrorism, where he recommended that section 9 of the Interception of Communications Act 1985 be amended so as to allow the prosecution to adduce intercepted material in cases affecting national security. That recommendation is under consideration. The views of the law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies have been sought by my Department. Otherwise, I am aware of no recent representations on the subject.