HC Deb 01 November 1999 vol 337 c31W
Mr. Nigel Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what assessment he has made of the impact on civil liberties of the Echelon system; [96547]

(2) if he will make a statement on the purpose of the Echelon system. [96548]

Mr. Robin Cook

As the hon. Gentleman is aware, it is long-standing practice not to respond to speculation on alleged intelligence operations.