Captain TUDOR-REESasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that in a criminal case now before the Courts a telephone operator gave evidence as to conversations she heard on the telephone; whether operators are sworn to secrecy; 1997W and whether it is in conformity with regulations for an operator to listen to telephonic conversations?
§ Mr PEASETelephone operators are forbidden to listen to conversations, but, in the course of their duties, it is necessary for them to remain in circuit until conversation has commenced in order to be sure that the connections have been satisfactorily effected. They are, however, specifically warned that they must not divulge or improperly make use of any information which they accidentally overhear. In the case in question the whole of the conversations were audible to the operator as they were conducted from a telephone in the switchroom.