HL Deb 26 March 1987 vol 486 cc351-2WA
Lord Renton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the commissioner appointed under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 will present his annual report and whether they will make a Statement.

The Lord President of the Council (Viscount Whitelaw)

A copy of the 1986 annual report by Lord Justice Lloyd has been laid before the House today in accordance with Section 8(7) of the Interception of Communications Act 1985. The confidential appendix to the report has been excluded from that copy in accordance with Section 8(8) of this Act. I am grateful to the commissioner for the thoroughness of his report and the reassurance it contains. Lord Justice Lloyd comments on the high value of the intelligence obtained from interception, and the care taken by all concerned to observe not only the letter but also the spirit of the Act. The commissioner's report suggests a small number of, improvements to the procedures observed in dealing with these cases. These recommendations have been accepted and the improvements suggested are being implemented.