 |
answer text |
<p>I have been in regular contact with the Home Secretary on the Investigatory Powers
Bill since drafting began last year. The Government is fully aware of the crucial
importance of this legislation for combating terrorism in Northern Ireland. In November,
the Home Secretary and I met to discuss the pre-legislative scrutiny process and the
latest draft of the Bill that has been examined by the Joint Committee.</p><p>Between
November and January, the Government provided detailed evidence to the Joint Committee,
including the Home Secretary’s oral evidence given last week. The Government’s evidence
has explained the provisions of the Bill in detail and has set out the necessity of
the powers as well as the safeguards that are to apply.</p><br />
|
 |
