To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their timetable for taking forward the Interception Modernisation Programme and the Mastering the Internet programme.

As a result of this year's communications data consultation the Government will continue to develop their proposed approach. This approach will require legislation to ensure that the data required by public authorities to protect the public are collected and retained by communications service providers. Plans for legislation are not developed sufficiently for it to be included in this Session of Parliament.

Separately, as outlined in its public statement on 3 May 2009, GCHQ has an ongoing programme of investment in the technology and skills needed to keep one step ahead of the threats facing the UK.