7.2 I would also like to say that my work would be impossible without the
generous support of the small secretariat which works with me, with the
Intelligence Services Commissioner, and with the Investigatory Powers Tribunal.
They, and the inspectors to whom I have referred, have all done excellent work,
and I am very grateful to them.
7.3 Finally I would like to draw your attention to the Wilson Doctrine. My
predecessor could find no justification for it, and neither can I. The statute and the
oversight regime exist to ensure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, no-one’s
privacy is invaded without proper authorisation given because there seems to be
good reason to take that step. Why should Members of Parliament not be in the
same position as everyone else? At a time when other parliamentary privileges are
under review it might be appropriate for this one to be swept away.
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