HL Deb 03 March 2005 vol 670 cc36-7WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Statement by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 26 January (Official Report, col. WS 52), what are the circumstances in which intercept material may be used in evidence in criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom. [HL1073]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) Section 18(12) provides that the prohibition on evidential use of intercept shall not apply to instances where intercept would be a crucial factor in the nature of the offence, and where not to use it would seriously undermine the criminal law in areas of important public policy. This includes offences under current and previous interception legislation and the Official Secrets Acts, perjury and contempt of court relating to interception. Normal rules of evidence apply to all other intercept material.