Can we assume MPs believed the doctrine covers bugging as well as phone taps?
Yes. When Harold Wilson gave his assurance to MPs in 1966, bugging technology was not advanced and it was not really an issue. Most MPs would probably take the view that the Wilson doctrine referred to all kinds of eavesdropping. How are the tapping and bugging activities monitored? Tapping and requests to see “communications data” are monitored by an interception of communications commissioner; bugging by the surveillance and intelligence services commissioners – respectively Sir Paul Kennedy, Sir Christopher Rose, and Sir Peter Gibson. All are appeal court judges. How many phones are tapped each year? The home secretary authorised 1,333 warrants in the last nine months of 2006, according to the latest figures. This is misleading because a warrant can target one individual with a number of telephone numbers. Warrants authorised by the foreign and Northern Ireland secretaries are not disclosed on grounds of “national security”. How many bugs and other devices are placed year? About 350
