Electronic Communications (Hansard, 19 October 1999)

§ Mr. Mackinlay
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Government proposes to introduce legislation to safeguard the privacy and security of e-mails; and if he will make a statement. [94577]

§ Ms Hewitt
In July the Government published the draft Electronic Communications Bill, which facilitates privacy and security of electronic communications, including e-mail, within the existing framework of legislation. It will be introduced into Parliament in the next session.

§ Mr. Mackinlay
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he proposes to publish the E-Commerce Bill. [94576]

§ Ms Hewitt
The Electronic Communications Bill was published in draft on 23 July and announced by my hon. Friend the Member for North Swindon (Mr. Wills) on 23 July 1999,Official Report, columns 681-83, as part of a consultation. I am pleased to say that we have received over 80 responses to the consultation.
The Government will introduce the Bill to Parliament in the next session.