HL Deb 01 March 1988 vol 494 c172WA
Lord Elton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the light of the observations of the judge in the case of Regina v. Anderson at the Luton Crown Court on 11th February 1988, they believe that the law gives sufficient protection to the privacy of the individual.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)

The Interception of Communications Act 1985 prohibits the intentional interception of communications transmitted by post or by means of a public telecommunication system other than when a warrant has been issued by the Secretary of State. The case mentioned resulted in convictions under the Act and custodial sentences, which does not suggest that the Act is failing to fulfil its purpose.