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Security (Annual Reports)

I have today laid before both Houses the annual reports of the Chief Surveillance Commissioner, the Rt. Hon. Sir Christopher Rose (HC 659); the Interception of Communications Commissioner, the Rt. Hon. Sir Paul Kennedy (HC 947); and the Intelligence Services Commissioner, the Rt. Hon. Sir Peter Gibson (HC 948). The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) established the regulatory framework for the use of a wide range of investigatory techniques. It sets out the purposes for which the powers can be used, the public authorities which can use them, the authorisation procedures which they must follow, and the use that can be made of the material obtained. It also provides for an appropriate oversight regime and a means of redress through the independent investigatory powers tribunal. The reports which I have laid before Parliament today set out how the RIPA investigatory powers have been used during the periods covered. The Government continue to believe that the existing system of authorisations, inspections and other safeguards set out in RIPA is appropriate, and welcome the valuable oversight role discharged by the Commissioners appointed under RIPA. The independent oversight which they provide is vital in ensuring that the various powers are used appropriately and only when necessary and proportionate. The Interception Commissioner's report notes that the investigatory powers tribunal reached determinations on 83 cases during the period covered. The tribunal did not uphold any complaints during this period. A great deal has been done already to improve public authorities' awareness of the obligations placed on them, and to ensure that proper consideration is given to necessity and proportionality. We recognise, however, that there is always more that can be done. The Government are reviewing those public authorities that have access to these powers to ensure that they have a continuing and justifiable requirement for them. On completion, the Government will list the authorities that can use each of the powers and the purposes for which they can use them, and set out revised statutory codes of practice, which Parliament will have the opportunity to debate. I am grateful to Sir Christopher, Sir Paul and Sir Peter, and to their support staff, for their work on these thorough reports.