Written question asked by Jim Lester (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 June 1996. It was answered by John Major (Conservative) on Thursday, 6 June 1996 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister

Question: Statement on when the annual report of the Commissioner appointed under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 will be laid before the House.

Answer: Sir Jim Lester: To ask the Prime Minister when the annual report of the Commissioner appointed under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 will be laid before the House; and if he will make a statement.[32006] The Prime Minister: A copy of Lord Nolan's annual report for 1995 has been laid before the House today in accordance with section 8(7) of the Interception of Communications Act 1985. The confidential annex to the report has been excluded from that copy in accordance with section 8(8) of the 1985 Act. I am grateful to the commissioner for his work in reviewing the issue of warrants and in providing assistance to the tribunal as provided for in the Act. I note in particular the commissioner's view that the interception of both postal and telecommunications remains both an effective and essential operation in the interests of national security and the economic well being of the United Kingdom, and the prevention and detection of serious crime.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 32006; 278 c539W
Session: 1995-96
Subjects: Annual reports National security Surveillance Telephone tapping Interception of Communications Commissioner