HC Deb 15 November 1979 vol 973 c715W
43. Mr. Les Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with present legislation governing the distribution, sale and licensing of counter-espionage, bugging, and other devices, especially those involving the use of telephones and radio equipment.

Mr. Whitelaw

There is at present no such general legislation and I have no plans for any. Radio used illicitly for bugging is, however, prohibited under the terms of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949; and I exercise my licensing powers under that Act so as to support this prohibition.