§ 36. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Postmaster-General by whose authority and under what circumstances permission is given to the police to listen-in to private telephone conversation?
§ The Postmaster-General (Major Tryon)Listening-in is not permitted by the Post Office except on the express direction of the Home Secretary. There is, of course, nothing to prevent a subscriber, if he so wishes, from arranging for the police or anyone else to listen-in on his line through the agency of an extension line or other device.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherIs a warrant from the Home Secretary required before listening-in is practised by the police?
§ Major TryonNo warrant is required in the case with which I have dealt in the latter part of my answer, and the other point is not a Post Office question.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherBut is a warrant required to enable the police to listen-in to a private telephone conversation?
§ Major TryonNothing is required in 1:he case of a man in his own house.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherMay I repeat my question, and ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman whether it is the case that a warrant is required from the Home Office before the police can be permitted to listen-in to a private telephone conversation?
§ Major TryonPerhaps the hon. and gallant Member will put down that question.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister aware that when I make a telephone call from this House to the party headquarters or to certain members of the party, I have to wait until the police are connected?