HC Deb 22 June 1960 vol 625 cc41-2W
Mr. Mason

asked the Postmaster-General whether there has been a noticeable increase in temporary breaks in his Department's underseas cables; and to what extent is it technically possible for these cables to be tapped by alien organisations.

Mr. Bevins

There has been no general increase in underseas cable breaks but, following more than two years' immunity, there have been four breaks in the transatlantic telephone cable system linking this country with Canada and the United States of America since February, 1959. All are due to fishing trawler operations.

Tapping submarine cables would present formidable technical difficulties and it could certainly not be achieved by breaking the cables.