HC Deb 15 December 1965 vol 722 cc275-6W
48. Mr. Edelman

asked the Postmaster-General what authorisation he gives for the interruption and recording of telephone conversations; and in what cir- cumstances, and by whom, he permits such interruption and recording.

Mr. Benn

There is no general prohibition on one of the parties to a telephone conversation recording it in whole or in part and it would not be practicable to stop it anyway. My concern is to prevent apparatus used for this purpose from interfering technically with the functioning of the telephone service, and the Telephone Regulations forbid the attachment to a telephone installation of any equipment—for recording or any other purpose—which has not been approved technically by the Post Office.