HC Deb 20 December 1962 vol 669 cc220-1W
69. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many instances of telephone tapping were authorised in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the use of his powers in this respect.

Mr. Brooke

As the right hon. Gentleman will be aware, the Government accepted the report of the Committee of Privy Councillors on the Interception of Communications which was presented to Parliament in 1957, and effect continues to be given to its recommendations. As the Committee stated in its Report, it would not be in the public interest to give figures such as are desired in the Question.