§ Brian WhiteTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with internet and communications service providers about new anti-terrorist legislation. [13646]
§ Mr. BlunkettOfficials met representatives of service providers on 24 October to discuss provisions on communications data retention contained in the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Bill. The meeting was a useful opportunity for Government at an early stage of the process to hear the views of industry representatives. The industry has of course been in dialogue with the Department of Trade and Industry over the last two months and we have reflected the representations made. As I said on 15 October in my statement to the House, we are very grateful to the providers. The Government look forward to continuing co-operation with industry on this important issue and to developing a code of practice with industry to implement the provisions of the Bill.