§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) under what powers he authorises the interception of mail within the United Kingdom; what agencies he authorises to carry out the interception of mail; to what extent officials of such agencies convey information obtained from interception of mail to third parties; and if he will make a statement;
97W(2) under what powers immigration officers intercept letters sent by post within the United Kingdom; from whom immigration officers seek authorisation to intercept such mail; and if he will make a statement;
(3) under what powers the police intercept letters sent by post within the United Kingdom; from whom police have to obtain authorisation to intercept mail; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdThe Interception of Communications Act 1985 makes provision for the interception of a communication in the course of its transmission by post in accordance with a warrant issued by the Secretary of State and provides for safeguards as to the disclosure of information obtained in this way. Information about the arrangements for interception is included in the annual reports of the commissioner appointed under the Act, which are laid before Parliament.