Data Retention (EC Directive) Regulations 2007

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for that full explanation of what is behind this order. I am also grateful that, as far as I can see, there has been no comment from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments or from the Merits Committee about these two. The noble Lord explained that these orders relate to landlines and mobiles only and that, after further consideration, there will have to be more orders relating to internet and other forms of communication. That is very important, particularly because, as I understand it—and I am always rather weak on these things—a great many telephone calls can now be made through the internet. Will the noble Lord explain a little more about that? I do not need to ask my final question, but I do so in order that the noble Lord can put the matter on the record. Regulation 10(1), on payment, firmly states: "““The Secretary of State may reimburse any expenses incurred by a public communications provider in complying with these Regulations””." The Explanatory Notes deal with why ““may”” and not ““will”” was used; however, it would be useful if the noble Lord spelt out that reason. As I said, it is important that we should have it on the record. I hope that in due course we can pass these regulations.