HL Deb 09 March 1967 vol 280 c1535

3.7 p.m.

LORD ERROLL OF HALE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government to what extent the transmission of Telex messages is covered by Section 4 of the Official Secrets Act 1920.]

THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE EARL OF LONGFORD)

My Lords, it could be contrary to long-established practice to give information about the interception of communications.

LORD ERROLL OF HALE

My Lords, while thanking the noble Earl for that reply, as it is now public knowledge that cables are intercepted, may I ask if he can say whether or not Telex messages are intercepted?

THE EARL OF LONGFORD

My Lords, I am afraid that, as the noble Lord will gather from my first Answer, I have nothing to add.

LORD ERROLL OF HALE

My Lords, is it not the case that it is impossible to intercept Telex messages?

THE EARL OF LONGFORD

My Lords, I have nothing to add on that comment, either.

LORD ERROLL OF HALE

My Lords, does the noble Earl realise that that is not being intercepted?

Back to