HC Deb 06 August 1980 vol 990 cc514-5
13. Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many prosecutions were undertaken for illegal telephone interception in 1979, and to the most recent practicable date in 1980.

Mr. Younger

Statistics on any such prosecutions are not kept separately from those relating to other prosecutions under the Post Office Acts or Wireless Telegraphy Acts. I understand from the Crown Office, however, that there is no record of any prosecutions for illegal telephone interception in 1979 or in 1980.

Mr. Cryer

Is the Secretary of State aware that at Craigowl Hill, near Dundee, the Post Office microwave tower is being used to collect information that is being fed into the Menwith Hill operation, which is run by the National Security Agency of the United States? Is he aware also that there is no authority to do that? The Post Office Act 1969 does not allow foreign agencies to intercept international or national telephone calls. Does that not mean that the Secretary of State for Scotland is conniving at illegal activity that is being carried out, at least, in part, in an area of the country for which he is responsible?

Mr. Younger

I do not know the basis for the hon. Gentleman's statement, which contains pure speculation. The statement is unsupported by any form of proof. I cannot add more information to that contained in the White Paper that has been laid before the House.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

The White Paper referred to British people being involved in such activity. However, it has been admitted by the CIA that it has been involved. Will the Minister look at this matter in the context of foreign agents? There is a vast difference between activity of this kind undertaken by foreign agents and that undertaken by British people. Does the Secretary of State agree that we should object to any foreign agent—whether American, Russian, or even Iranian—carrying out such activities?

Mr. Younger

I hope that the hon. Gentleman will inform either myself or the Home Secretary, according to which country is concerned, if he has information of any foreign agency breaking the law in this country.