§ Mr. AllanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what types of data are included within the code of practice which his Department is drawing up for data retention by communications service providers. [10420]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 26 October 2001]I will draw up the Code of Practice in consultation with communications service providers and the law enforcement and security and intelligence agencies. The general definition of communications is in Part I, Chapter II of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. The types of data within that category that will be covered by the code will be agreed in the course of consultation. That way we can be sure that both sides are clear about the types of data which are retained.
§ Mr. AllanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has in respect of the retention of communications data by communication service providers; and whether this will be(a) voluntary or (b) mandatory. [10421]
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§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 26 October 2001]I intend to make it clear that communications service providers may retain data for up to 12 months for law enforcement and national security purposes. I will then work with the telecommunications industry to develop a voluntary code of practice on retention of data.