those complaints that relate to the interception of communications that would
previously have been considered by the Interception of Communications Tribunal.
I can only provide the information on the total number of complaints made to the
Investigatory Powers Tribunal. The Tribunal received 157 new applications during
the calendar year 2009 and completed its investigation of 58 of these during the
year as well as concluding its investigation of 67 of the 75 cases carried over from
2008. 107 cases have been carried forward to 2010.
Assistance to the Tribunal
6.3 Section 57(3) of RIPA requires me to give all such assistance to the Tribunal
as the Tribunal may require in relation to investigations and other specified matters.
My assistance was not sought by the Tribunal during 2009.
Determination made by the Tribunal in favour of a
complainant
6.4 During 2009 the Investigatory Powers Tribunal made one determination
in favour of a complainant. This is the fourth occasion since its inception that
the Investigatory Powers Tribunal has upheld a complaint. On the grounds of
confidentiality, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal Rules 2000 prohibit me from
disclosing specific details about the complaint, but it is sufficient to say that
the conduct complained of was not authorised in accordance with the relevant
provisions of RIPA.
Section 7: Conclusion
7.1 As I said in my previous Reports, the interception of communications is an
invaluable weapon for the purposes set out in section 5(3) of RIPA. It has continued
to play a vital part in the battle against terrorism and serious crime, and one that
would not have been achieved by other means. The task of the agencies working
in this field has become, and is becoming ever more, technical and difficult as a
result of the greater sophistication of terrorists and criminals. I am satisfied that
Ministers and the intelligence and law enforcement agencies carry out the work,
which I am required to consider, diligently and in accordance with the law.
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.
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