Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Friday, 8 October 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 October 1999. It was answered by Charles Clarke (Labour) on Monday, 25 October 1999 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what departmental guidance is currently given, and what administrative rules apply, in relation to the accessing of e mails and other forms of electronic communications by the security and intelligence services and other law enforcement agencies; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what departmental guidance is currently given, and what administrative rules apply, in relation to the accessing of e-mails and other forms of electronic communications by the security and intelligence services and other law enforcement agencies; and if he will make a statement. [94578] Mr. Charles Clarke: Any communication, including e-mails and the internet, when it is being transmitted by means of a public telecommunication system, may be intercepted in pursuance of a warrant issued in accordance with the provisions of the Interception Of Communications Act 1985. Appropriate procedures to process such warrants have been laid down.

Secondary information