HC Deb 08 December 1965 vol 722 cc97-8W
81. Mr. Will Griffiths

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that an electronic transmitting device which is known as a Micro Bug is being sold, and that the operation of this transmitter is on offence against the existing law; and what action he proposes to take to prevent its use by those who have purchased this transmitter.

Mr. Benn

I am aware that very small radio-microphones can now be obtained. I have not and will not license the version to which my hon. Friends refer and its use is therefore illegal. There are other forms of radio-microphone which I do license and I have already informed the House, in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury and Radcliffe on the 3rd December, of the measures which I am taking to guard against their improper use. I am also seeing whether anything more can be done to prevent unlicensed use of transmitting apparatus and whether I should be justified in seeking wider powers of control.