HL Deb 20 March 2000 vol 611 c7WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any official representation on the International Law Enforcement Telecommunications Seminar. [HL1483]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

The International Law Enforcement Telecommunications Seminar (ILETS) is an informal gathering of law enforcement agencies and security services from countries that operate a legislative framework and appropriate safeguards for the lawful interception of communications. It is not a formal organisation or intergovernmental body.

The purpose of the seminar is to provide a forum where developments, issues, problems and possible solutions in the area of lawful telecommunications interception can be considered. These issues are looked at within the framework of the national laws of the country of the agencies attending.

Co-operation within ILETS is primarily of interest to the United Kingdom's law enforcement agencies and the Security Service. However, Home Office officials have attended recent annual seminars to give presentations on developments in United Kingdom and international law in the field of interception of communications.