§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what authority, and by what criteria, he authorises the interception and opening of mail; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe interception and opening of mail is authorised in accordance with the procedures described in the 1957 report of the Birkett committee (Cmnd 283), and according to the criteria set out in that report, which continue to be strictly adhered to.