Written question asked by David Nicholson (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 March 1997. It was answered by Lord Howard of Lympne (Conservative) on Wednesday, 5 March 1997 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: What representations he has received calling for interceptions of telephone conversations involving alleged criminals to be usable as evidence in criminal trials.

Answer: Mr. David Nicholson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received calling for interceptions of telephone conversations involving alleged criminals to be usable as evidence in criminal trials; and if he will make a statement. [18448] Mr. Howard: The right hon. Lord Lloyd of Berwick has raised the issue on a number of occasions, including at chapter 7 of the report of his inquiry into legislation against terrorism, where he recommended that section 9 of the Interception of Communications Act 1985 be amended so as to allow the prosecution to adduce intercepted material in cases affecting national security. That recommendation is under consideration. The views of the law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies have been sought by my Department. Otherwise, I am aware of no recent representations on the subject.

Secondary information