§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on debate within the EU on the Echelon surveillance system. [120774]
§ Mr. VazPolicy on the interception of communications is a matter for member states. There are, however, some areas which may impinge on surveillance and interception related matters, such as data protection, in which the EU has a legitimate interest. It is the long-standing policy of the British Government, as of many other governments, not to comment on alleged interception activity.