§ MR. GRAYasked the Postmaster General, Whether communications sent through private telegraph wires rented to individuals by Government are ever "tapped" en route by Government officials without the knowledge or consent of the parties to whom the wires are rented?
§ LORD JOHN MANNERSSir, in answer to the hon. Gentleman, I have to say that all wires, whether private or public, are necessarily, from time to time, 1192 examined in order to see that they are in proper order and that the work on them is properly done. That examination takes place without any previous knowledge on the part of the renters or of others interested.
§ MR. GRAYMay I ask the noble Lord, Whether that examination involves a knowledge of the communications sent across the wires, and whether it occurs at times when communications are being sent by the wires, so that they may be known to the officials of the Government without the knowledge of those renting the wires?
§ LORD JOHN MANNERSAs the hon. Gentleman is probably aware every telegram is stored at the Central Office for a space of three months, in order that when any complaints are made the telegrams may be inspected, therefore there is no necessity for the practice suggested by the hon. Gentleman, and of which I have no knowledge whatever.