§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many telephone interceptions were authorised by his Department in(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98 and (c) 1998–99 to date; and if he will make a statement. [49697]
§ Mr. McLeishThe annual reports of the Commissioner appointed under the Interception of Communications Act 1985, which are presented to Parliament, list the number of interception warrants issued by the Secretary of State for Scotland in the course of each year. In 1996, 228 telecommunications warrants were issued by the Secretary of State. In 1997 the number was 256. During the period 1 January to 30 June this year, 138 such warrants were issued by the Secretary of State.
In his most recent report (Cm. 3678), the Commissioner notes that the number of warrants has increased, and says
The extent of this increase in interception would be a matter for grave concern if it indicated any relaxation of the strict criteria laid down by the Act for the issue and renewal of warrants. I am satisfied that no such relaxation has occurred& The value of interception in the protection of national security and the prevention of serious crime can hardly be overstated".