HC Deb 22 January 2002 vol 378 cc770-1W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is in respect of the monitoring by GCHQ of communications originating and terminating within the UK. [28635]

Mr. Straw

GCHQ may monitor communications originating and terminating within the UK only in accordance with law, and in particular with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the purpose of Morwenstow station: and how many(a) US and (b) UK personnel are based there. [28584]

Mr. Straw

GCHQ Bude, previously known as the Composite Signals Organisation Station at Morwenstow, employs approximately 200 people and provides intelligence support serving the interest of the UK and its allies. It is long standing policy not to provide details about the operations carried out at Bude or to provide a detailed breakdown of staffing.