Have you got a licence for that geek?

Concern has been spreading over a proposed law which primarily aims to crackdown on cowboy wheelclampers and bouncers, but sees IT consultants fall under its extensive remit.

Despite claims that the Private Security Industry Bill contravenes the European electronic commerce directive, a Commons Standing Committee yesterday passed the legislation without amendment.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) this week added its name to a list of distinguished objectors. Its head of ebusiness, Nigel Hickson, accused the government of trying to "legislate through oversight" and called on the Home Office to exempt IT professionals.

In a statement, Hickson said that given the government's track record on computer-related legislation the CBI was not optimistic that "good sense will prevail".

The CBI briefed opposition MPs about the potential clash with the EU's ecommerce directive which is due to come into force early next year.

The directive says that member states "shall ensure that the taking up and pursuit of the activity of an information society service provider may not be made subject to prior authorisation or any other requirement having equivalent effect".

Conservative MP Nick Hawkins told the Standing Committee: "A requirement for members of the IT security industry to obtain licences from a regulatory authority in order to operate would, in the CBI's view, constitute prior authorisation, which would directly contravene the directive."

So far, ecommerce minister Patricia Hewitt has publicly refused to get involved in the debate, but sources believe some at the DTI are very concerned about the Bill's effect.

One IT consultant has even taken his concerns directly to DTI supremo Stephen Byers, catching up with him on a train from Devon to voice his concerns.

The Bill will go through its report stage in the House of Commons on Tuesday.