HC Deb 02 May 1922 vol 153 cc1159-60
38. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Postmaster-General whether listening-in in respect to telephone conversations is still continued in any official Department or in the office of any Minister of the Crown; and whether the record of any such conversations is kept?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my answers to the hon. Member for Stratford on the 4th of this month, and the Noble Lord the Member for Battersea on the 21st March, which both relate to this subject.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any machine or instrument for recording such conversations?

Viscount CURZON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have never asked any question relating to Ministers of the Crown?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I do not quite understand what my hon. and gallant Friend means by instruments for recording conversations.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Are there any automatic instruments for recording these conversations, or have they to be listened in by the persons?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I have never in any answer said that the system of listening-in has been adopted in Government Departments. There is no recording instrument, 60 far as I am aware, which will record this or any other conversation.

Mr. WATERSON

IS the practice of listening-in adopted or not?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I have said repeatedly that, except where we are asked to do so by the police, there is no listening-in. Even then it would not be done except by my personal sanction.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

There is no such instrument installed in Downing Street, that is certain?