asked 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.

Press 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.