HC Deb 16 December 1937 vol 330 c1351W
Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Home Secretary whether, in the exercise of his authority from granting warrants to the police and other authorities to intercept and read private postal correspondence and to listen in to private telephone conversations, he makes himself personally acquainted with the circumstances under which each application for such a warrant is made before issuing the warrant, or whether he grants such warrants upon the recommendation of officials without himself always inquiring into the circumstances?

Sir S. Hoare

I can assure the House that the Secretary of State does not issue a warrant unless he is personally satisfied that there are proper grounds for doing so.