§ Lord Lloyd of Kilgerranasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they are taking or propose to take to implement the report of the Law Commission on Computer Misuse advocating that a hierarchy of offences be created; and
What steps they are taking or propose to take to deal with the mischief caused by modification of computer material including infestation of computer systems by viruses; and
What steps they are taking or propose to take to deal with the mischief caused by unauthorised access to computers with intent to commit a serious crime or to further or facilitate the commission of such a crime; and
What steps they are taking or propose to take to amend the Theft Acts so that the definition of "deception" includes deception of a machine.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Trefgarne)The noble Lord's four questions relate to topics covered in the recent Law 131WA Commission report on Computer Misuse (Cmnd. 819) in which the creation of three new offences was recommended. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in responding to the report invited comments from interested parties, and announced that subject to these comments he was inclined to accept the Law Commission recommendations. He further stated that legislation should be brought forward when a suitable opportunity arose. That remains the position.