HC Deb 28 March 1968 vol 761 c1700
8. Mr. Gardner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to require the registration of agencies engaged in industrial and commercial espionage.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Dick Taverne)

I do not think there is a need to do so at present.

Mr. Gardner

In view of the recent disclosures in the Sunday Mirror, does not my hon. and learned Friend think that, in view of the possibilities and developments here, it is about time we got round to controlling the activities of this form of private enterprise?

Mr. Taverne

There are many questions and problems in connection with this. We must first be satisfied that there is a serious problem of invasion of privacy. At the moment we are not so satisfied. If the question of intrusion into private affairs arises, obviously very serious problems affecting the liberty of the Press, and so on, will be involved. I am not saying that this matter does not require study, but it certainly does not require hasty decision.