Intelligence Services: Commissioner's Report

HL Deb 12 June 1997 vol 580 cc96-8WA

Baroness Turner of Camden

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the annual report of the commissioner appointed under the Intelligence Services Act 1994 will be laid before the House.

Lord Richard

A copy of Lord Justice Stuart-Smith's annual report, for 1996, has been laid before the House today in accordance with Section 8(6) of the Intelligence Services Act 1994. The confidential annex to the report has been excluded from that copy in accordance with Section 8(7) of the 1994 Act. I am grateful to the commissioner for his work in reviewing the issue of warrants and authorisations, and in providing assistance to the tribunal as provided for in the Act. I note that he was satisfied that the former Secretary of State had properly exercised his powers under the two sections of the 1994 Act.