§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when the Government intend to sign the European convention on privacy and data protection;
(2) why Her Majesty's Government did not sign the European convention on privacy and data protection in January.
§ Mr. RaisonAs the United Kingdom representative indicated when voting in favour of the adoption of the text of this convention, Her Majesty's Government will need to take a decision on the principle of having data protection arrangements in this country, consistent with the provisions of the Commission, before a decision to sign, and in due course ratify, the convention can be taken. My right hon. Friend will make an announcement about the Government's policy shortly.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list all those organisations and individuals that have made representations to Her Majesty's Government in favour of signing the European Convention on Privacy and Data Protection.
§ Mr. RaisonThe Government have received some 25 representations, almost all on behalf of commercial interests. It would not be appropriate to publish their names without their permission.