§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Prime Minister if it is Government policy that none of the security and intelligence agencies is permitted to intercept communications initiated by hon. Members nor to conduct electronic surveillance thereon. [116904]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 30 March 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) on 30 October 1997, Official Report, column 861W and to the hon. Member on 17 November 1997, Official Report, columns 17-18.
280W
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Prime Minister if he will list the tests which apply before authorisation is given for an interception of a communication initiated by a newspaper or other media concern [116903]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 30 March 2000]: The tests which apply for the inception of all communications are as set out in the Interception of Communications Act 1985. These tests are that a warrant cannot be issued unless it is considered necessary:
- (a) in the interests of national security;
- (b) for the purpose of preventing or detecting serious crime; or
- (c) for the purpose of safeguarding the economic well-being of the United Kingdom.
Subject to the approval of Parliament, the Interception of Communications Act will be replaced by provisions in the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill. The tests for interception will however remain the same.