§ Mr. GapesTo ask the Prime Minister when the annual report of the Commissioner appointed under the Security Service Act 1989 will be laid before the House; and if he will make a statement. [87661]
§ The Prime MinisterA copy of the annual report of the Commissioner, Lord Justice Stuart-Smith, for 1998 has been laid before the House today in accordance with section 4(6) of the Security Service Act 1989. The confidential annex to the report has been excluded from that copy in accordance with section 4(7) of the 1989 Act and in line with the Commissioner's recommendation. I am grateful to the Commissioner for his work in reviewing the issues of warrants under the Intelligence Services Act 1994.
§ Mr. GapesTo ask the Prime Minister when the annual report of the Commissioner appointed under the Intelligence Services Act 1994 will be laid before the House; and if he will make a statement. [87662]
§ The Prime MinisterA copy of the annual report of the Commissioner, Lord Justice Stuart-Smith, for 1998 has been laid before the House today in accordance with section 8(6) of the Intelligence Services196W Act 1994. The confidential annexe 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.
§ Mr. GapesTo ask the Prime Minister when the annual report of the Commissioner appointed under section 8(1) of the Interception of Communications Act 1985 will be laid before the House; and if he will make a statement. [87663]
§ The Prime MinisterA copy of the annual report of the Commissioner, Lord Nolan, for 1998 has been laid before the House today in accordance with section 8(7) of the Interception of Communications Act 1985. The confidential annexe to the report has been excluded from that copy in accordance with section 8(8) of the 1985 Act and in accordance with the Commissioner's recommendations. I am grateful to the Commissioner for his work in reviewing the issue of warrants during the year. I note in particular the Commissioner's view that interception of both postal communications and telecommunications remains an effective and an essential operation in the interests of national security and the economic well-being of the United Kingdom, and the prevention and detection of serious crime.