asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many warrants for the interception and opening of letters and telegrams by the police have been issued in each of the last three years.

It would not be in the public interest to give this information.

Could my right hon. and learned Friend give details of the circumstances in which such warrants are issued, and will he say if such warrants are issued for the opening of mail in the case of people engaged in legal political activities?

I would not care to add to my Answer. It would not be in the public interest to disclose this information. The practice is strictly in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee of Privy Councillors who made their report in September, 1957.