Mr. Michael Jabez FosterTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make an announcement about the re-appointment of His Honour Viscount Colville of Culross QC, His Honour Colin Kolbert and His Honour John Jeremy Fordham as assistant surveillance commissioners, under section 63 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. [175341]
§ The Prime MinisterIn accordance with Section 63 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, I have agreed to re-appoint His Honour Viscount Colville of Culross QC, His Honour Colin Kolbert and His Honour John Jeremy Fordham as Assistant Surveillance Commissioners from 1 May 2004 until 30 April 2007 to assist the Chief Surveillance Commissioner in his duties. The remit of each Assistant Surveillance Commissioner covers the whole of the United Kingdom so that any Assistant Surveillance Commissioner can act in jurisdictions other than his or her own.
His Honour Viscount Colville of Culross QC, His Honour Colin Kolbert and His Honour John Jeremy Fordham have served as Assistant Surveillance Commissioners since 1 May 2001.
Assistant Surveillance Commissioners are appointed under Section 63 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. Since the authorisation of intrusive 1116W surveillance operations forms a key component of the Government's response to serious and organised crime, I attach considerable importance to these appointments, and I am delighted that they have accepted their re-appointment. In conjunction with Sir Andrew Leggatt, their substantial judicial experience, particularly of the criminal justice system, will provide independent oversight of surveillance operations, which although operationally important, must also be subject to stringent safeguards.