House of Lords written question – answered at on 3 July 2008.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Environment Agency or the Environment Agency Wales sought the written authority of the Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to allow GCHQ to intercept communications of Mr Douglas Gowan; and whether this authority was ever given.
Part I of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 governs the application and approval of interception warrants. Neither the Environment Agency nor the Environment Agency Wales is permitted to make an application for an interception of communications warrant by virtue of Section 6 of the Act. It is the established policy of successive Governments, and in accordance with the duties imposed by Section 19 of the Act, to neither confirm nor deny in response to questions as to whether or not interception has taken place in a particular case.
Yes1 person thinks so
No2 people think not
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