§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what institutions he plans will be involved in the monitoring of internet and e-mail communications; and if he will make a statement. [125668]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill does not provide for routine monitoring of any communications. Clause 24 of the Bill allows for the acquisition of communications data, which would include the addressing data but not the content of the communication, by
a police force;the National Criminal Intelligence Service;the National Crime Squad;the Commissioners of Customs and Excise and their departments; andany of the intelligence services (taken to mean the Security Service, the Secret Intelligence Service and Government Communications Headquarters).The Bill provides for this list to be added to by Order.
We have included a number of oversight procedures to cover the collection of communications data. No authorising officer may authorise a notice unless obtaining the communications data is both necessary for certain specified purposes, and proportionate.
721WIn addition, the Bill places oversight of the use of this power under the remit of the Interception Commissioner. We intend for an audit team from the Commissioner's office to undertake periodic inspections of each body to ensure that the power is being used responsibly.