HL Deb 20 March 2002 vol 632 cc142-3WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there are any technical difficulties that are delaying full implementation of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. [HL3160]

Lord Rooker

We intend to implement the remaining provisions of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 as set out in my reply of 13 February (Official Report, col. WA 148).

The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What advice they are currently giving to Internet service providers as to what technical measures they have to take to comply with the data interception provisions of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. [HL3162]

Lord Rooker

The Government intend to lay an order before Parliament shortly setting out the generic requirements that communications service providers (CSPs) will be expected to meet if they are required to maintain an interception capability under Section 12 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000. Public consultation on the draft order has taken place. If the order is approved by Parliament, the Government will then enter detailed discussions with individual CSPs before notices under this order are served on them.

The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made in assessing the cost of Internet service providers' compliance with the data interception provisions of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000; and whether they have determined what proportion of that cost will be contributed by the Government. [HL3163]

Lord Rooker

In accordance with Section 14 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA 2000) arrangements will be put in place to ensure that communications service providers (CSPs) receive a fair contribution towards the costs incurred in relation to complying both with the issue of interception warrants and with Section 12 notices. Consultation is continuing to assess how government will apportion their contribution to the costs incurred.

In addition, as my noble friend Lord Bassam of Brighton announced during RIPA's passage, funds are available to assist in developing capability for the interception of traffic transmitted as Internet protocol or, exceptionally, the installation of a new intercept capability to meet the demands of new technology.