Written question asked by Jacqui Lait (Conservative) on Monday, 6 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 October 2008. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 October 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Surveillance: Local Authorities

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will instruct the Office of the Surveillance Commissioner to assess whether surveillance powers have been used by local authorities to generate income from fines.

Answer: The Office of Surveillance Commissioners was established by statute to provide independent oversight of public authorities using covert investigatory powers. It is not appropriate for Ministers to issue instructions to the Office of Surveillance Commissioners. Under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 local authorities may use directed surveillance for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime or disorder providing it is necessary and proportionate for them to do so.

Secondary information