Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Investigation of Protected Electronic Information: Code of Practice) Order 2007

I am grateful to the Minister for that comprehensive explanation of the two orders, and the remarks with which he finished about the increasing sophistication of terrorists and of the criminal fraternity in general. I am pleased to hear that there was extensive consultation on both orders, and we welcome the safeguards provided under both the codes: first, the Interception of Communications Commissioner and, then, a further appeal to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. In the second order the controls on public authorities to ensure that the use of the powers is undertaken appropriately and in compliance with the requirements and principles of Part 3 and the code of practice are, again, reassuring. I am grateful to the Minister for recognising the question of the burden of proof, on which we are reassured. We have no objections to either order.