HC Deb 16 July 1957 vol 573 cc942-3
45. Mr. Lipton

asked the Prime Minister when he expects to receive the report of the three Privy Councillors on the subject of telephone tapping.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

I cannot yet say when the Committee will report.

Mr. Lipton

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that disappointing reply. If we are to discuss telephone tapping before we rise for the summer Recess, ought not the Report to be in the hands of hon. Members not later than the end of next week? Is it desirable that this odious thing should be allowed to fester for another three months until the House reassembles?

The Prime Minister

The Committee, which has, I think, the general confidence of the House and the country, is operating with great rapidity. It was appointed on 29th June, it had its first meeting on 3rd July, it has had seven formal meetings as well as a number of informal meetings, and I think that we should be grateful to the Committee for the work that it is doing.