Written question asked by Caroline Spelman (Conservative) on Monday, 9 February 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 February 2009. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Monday, 23 February 2009 on behalf of the Home Office.

Surveillance: Local Authorities

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar of 13 January 2009, Official Report, column 728W, on surveillance: local authorities, in respect of which public authorities the Investigatory Powers Tribunal made a determination in favour of the complainants; and whether copies of those determinations are held by her Department.

Answer: The Home Office is not provided with and does not hold copies of Investigatory Powers Tribunal determinations or details of the public authorities concerned. The Investigatory Powers Tribunal is independent of Government. Under Rule 6(6) of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal Rules (Statutory Instrument 2000 No. 2665) the Tribunal may not, without the consent of the complainant, disclose to any person information or documents provided to it. The Tribunal's website: www.ipt-uk.com gives examples of anonymised rulings following some of its hearings.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 488 c190-1W; 256774
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Surveillance: Local Authorities
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Local government Surveillance
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk