asked Her Majesty’s Government:
How they are implementing the recommendations of the Privy Council Review of Intercept as Evidence (30 January 2008, Cm 7324). [HL4547]
In his Statement on 6 February 2008, my right honourable friend the Prime Minister accepted the recommendation of the Chilcot review that,
“it should be possible to find a way of using some intercept material as evidence, provided—and only provided—that certain key conditions can be met. Those conditions relate to the most vital imperative of all: safeguarding our national security”.—[Official Report, Commons, 6/2/08; col. 959.]
The Government have made a commitment to take the necessary work forward swiftly, carefully and thoroughly. In terms of progress to date, an implementation team has been formed within the Home Office, drawing on the expertise of the intercepting agencies but separate from them and specifically tasked with addressing the Chilcot “tests”. This is overseen by a steering group of the interception community.
An advisory group of privy counsellors (AGPC) has also been established to advise the Government’s implementation team. It comprises the right honourable Sir John Chilcot, my noble and learned friend Lord Archer of Sandwell, the right honourable gentleman the Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Sir Alan Beith) from the original Privy Council review, together with the right honourable gentleman the Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Michael Howard), who has replaced the noble Lord, Lord Hurd of Westwell. This builds on the successful example of the original Chilcot committee.
A work programme has been drawn up and endorsed by the steering group, AGPC and Ministers. This is now being taken forward. Subject to the Chilcot tests being met, we would hope to bring forward legislation in due course.