§ Harry Cohen(1) To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the kinds of public authorities likely to be granted access to communications data; how frequently he estimates each kind of organisation will seek access to communications data; and if he will make a statement. [59258]
(2) if he will introduce an amendment to (a) the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and (b) the Code of Practice in relation to Communications Data to prohibit the subsequent onward disclosure of communications data to third parties which are not authorised directly by him to receive such data; and if he will make a statement. [59264]
(3) under the Interception of Communications Act 1985, how many times the Metropolitan Police Force sought access to communications data in the last year; and if he will make a statement. [59257]
§ Mr. John DenhamThe Interception of Communications Act 1985 did not provide for access to communications data. The Metropolitan Police made approximately 127,000 separate requests for communication data under the Data Protection Act 1998 in the last year. The access to communications data provisions in the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) have not yet been implemented.
My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, has withdrawn the order made under s.25(1) of RIPA adding a number of other public authorities to the access to communications provisions in the Act to allow for wider consultation before bringing forward new proposals.
Chapter II of Part I of RIPA deals with the acquisition of data. The subsequent use made of that data is regulated by the Data Protection Act 1998 and by the statutes governing the Intelligence agencies.