§ 3.7 p.m.
§ LORD ERROLL OF HALEMy 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 HALEMy 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 LONGFORDMy Lords, I am afraid that, as the noble Lord will gather from my first Answer, I have nothing to add.
§ LORD ERROLL OF HALEMy Lords, is it not the case that it is impossible to intercept Telex messages?
§ THE EARL OF LONGFORDMy Lords, I have nothing to add on that comment, either.
§ LORD ERROLL OF HALEMy Lords, does the noble Earl realise that that is not being intercepted?