HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 cc325-6W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what sanctions there are when spam e-mail is being sent to create or extend e-mail databases; and what controls there are on the means used to create e-mail databases which are sold. [116249]

Mr. Timms

There will be new controls on unsolicited direct marketing by e-mail under the Directive on Privacy and Electronic Communications (Directive 2002/58/EC). The Government are currently consulting on draft implementing regulations for the Directive, including the sanctions available.

The creation and sale of e-mail databases, which involve the processing of personal data, is already subject to the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.