§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many interception warrants were in force in Scotland on 31 December 1999. [111133]
§ Dr. ReidFull information about the number of interception warrants in force in Scotland on 31 December 1999 is not yet available. They will be published, later in the year, in the Annual Report of the Commissioner appointed under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 (currently Lord Nolan). A copy will be placed in the Library.
§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many interception warrants were authorised in respect of Scotland in 1999. [111143]
§ Dr. ReidDuring the period 1 January 1999 to 30 June 1999, 162 telephone interception warrants were authorised in respect of Scotland. After 1 July 1999, the authorisation in respect of Scotland of interception warrants relating to serious crime was devolved to the Scottish Executive. The authorisation of national security interception warrants in respect of Scotland is reserved, but final figures on the number of national security interception warrants authorised in the second half of 1999 are not yet available. The Commissioner appointed under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 will publish this information in his Annual Report for 1999, later in the year. A copy will be placed in the Library.