Phone Tapping

Ian C. Lucas Excerpts

Monday 6th September 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mrs May]

I will make the point that I made earlier. We are faced with a situation in which a number of allegations have been made in The New York Times. The Metropolitan police have made it clear that if fresh evidence is brought forward they will investigate it. As far as the Government are concerned, I believe it is appropriate for us to await the outcome.

[Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab)]

Has the Home Secretary asked whether her name is on the list?

[Mrs May]

No.

Oral Answers to Questions

Ian C. Lucas Excerpts

Monday 28th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con)]

13. What plans she has for the future regulation of CCTV cameras.

[Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab)]

17. What proposals she has for regulation of the use of CCTV cameras by police services and local authorities.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (James Brokenshire)]

In our coalition programme for government, as part of our work on safeguarding civil liberties we have stated that we will further regulate CCTV. We will introduce detailed proposals in due course.

[James Brokenshire]

As the Prime Minister made clear in the House on 9 June, we support CCTV cameras. When used properly, they can be a significant asset in the prevention and detection of crime, but any such use involves a need to ensure that civil liberties are properly protected. The use of CCTV has increased in the absence of a specific regulatory framework. For reasons of proportionality and retaining public confidence, it is important that there is appropriate regulation, and it is interesting to note that the previous Administration recognised that when they appointed the interim CCTV regulator.

[Ian Lucas]

In the past 13 years, some 21,000 individuals have been arrested in Wrexham as a result of the operation of CCTV cameras. Wrexham’s CCTV system is widely appreciated. Will the hon. Gentleman confirm whether he expects a reduction in the number of CCTV cameras as a result of the regulation that he is describing, and how will that regulation be consulted on?

[James Brokenshire]

On the latter point, we will announce further details on how we intend to take CCTV forward and on how engagement will take place. As I have said, we recognise the importance of CCTV in the fight against crime. As for moving forward, the installation and use of CCTV systems is very much a matter for local decisions, so the regulation will certainly provide a framework to assist local decision making about the CCTV systems that should be put in place to protect local communities.