Counter-Terrorism Bill
12:00 pm
Dr. Eric Metcalfe: I agree that it is a much more nebulous concept. In previous years, we have seen a number of situations in which powers used for national security tend to bleed down into the ordinary criminal law. One only has to consider the recent examples of authorisations under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, in which surveillance powers are used in relation to parents being in the right zone for schools, and so forth. In relation to the collection of DNA, we are extremely concerned about the lack of regulation in relation to the police database and the very broad powers, particularly in relation to suspects on control orders. As some of you may know, the measure is being heard before the European Court of Human Rights and we expect a judgment very shortly. We are concerned that it is liable to create further interference with the right to privacy.