Insurers and privacy experts give evidence to Lords investigating civil drones

The House of Lords EU Sub-Committee on the Internal Market, Infrastructure and Employment is looking at the civilian use of drones in the EU.

On Monday at 4.15pm the Committee will hear from Simon Phippard, Counsel, Dispute Resolution Group, Bird and Bird LLP; Philip Heath, John Heath Insurance Brokers LLP; and Robert James, Underwriter (Aviation), Tokio Marine Kiln.

Then at 5.15pm the Committee will quiz David Goldberg, University of Glasgow; Peter Lee, Senior Associate, Taylor Vintners LLP; Dr Ben Hayes, Statewatch UK; and David Smith, Deputy Commissioner, Information Commissioner's Office.

Questions the witnesses will face on Monday include:

• Are concerns about an invasion of privacy justified?
• Are existing data protection laws appropriate for drones?
• Do we currently have the right regulation, and is it issued by the most appropriate bodies?
• Should the press be exempt from privacy regulations?
• Can the UK and EU authorities manage the challenge of educating the public about privacy?
• Can they cope with enforcement of privacy regulations?
• Why are drone insurance premiums so high? Is there a risk operators don't bother?
• How do the different regulatory bodies view insurance responsibilities?
• To what extent can aviation insurance policies be used as a template for drones?
• How well is the insurance industry prepared for a drone ‘disaster'?

The first evidence session will start at 4.15pm on Monday 10 November in Committee Room 2 of the House of Lords. The second session will start at approximately 5.15pm.

The sessions will be webcast at www.parliamentlive.tv and are also open to the public. Journalists wishing to attend should go to Parliament's Cromwell Green Entrance and should allow time for security screening.