§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the allegation that the British embassy in Dublin has had its telephone bugged or tapped; and what steps he has taken or intends taking to protest to the Government of the Republic of Ireland concerning these contraventions of international law.
§ Mr. HurdPress reports of rumours are not sufficient or proper grounds for supposing that telephones have been tapped by a friendly Government. Investigations have produced no evidence to substantiate the reports to which the hon. Member appears to be referring. I see no grounds at present for a protest to the Irish Government.
British officials have for many years had strict instructions that telephones should be regarded as generally insecure.