The issue focused on the wording of a provision that grants the tax and trade authorities sweeping powers to snoop on private communications without the prior approval of a court.


"The present process for application for the interception warrants is arbitrary and undemocratic," said Patrick Grady, the government's deputy legal adviser.


"The need for public access to law enforcement communications is particularly pressing given concerns about police and security cooperation with foreign countries and the growing threat posed by international terrorism and other criminal organisations," Gr