Another "Wilson Doctrine" non-Answer
Parliament and the general public have been given another non-answer by the Prime Minister, regarding the "Wilson Doctrine" which has failed to clarify the supposed immunity from telephone interecption historically enjoyed by Members of Parliament.
The many unanswered questions about this issue will not simply be forgotten.
What is so difficult about being open and transparent about whom the current policy applies to and which modern communications technologies are included ? What have the Government got to hide ?
When will the outgoing Interception of Communications Commissioner Sir Swinton Thomas publish his report for last year ? WIll it mention the "Wilson Doctrine" ? It is a scandal that the 2004 annual report was not made public until November 2005.
Will the newly appointed Sir Paul Kennedy be more open and accountable to the public ?
21 Mar 2006 : Column 250W[...]
PRIME MINISTER
Wilson Doctrine
Norman Baker: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his written statement of 15 December 2005, Official Report, column 173WS, on the Wilson Doctrine, when he expects to make a further statement. [60533]
The Prime Minister: I have nothing further to add to my written ministerial statement, 15 December 2005, Official Report, column 173WS and my answers at Prime Minister's Questions on 18 and 25 January.