German MPs worried about the threat of CIA snoopers have ordered classical music be played during their meetings for ‘security reasons’. As well as the classical soundtrack – Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor – members of the spying committee are considering using manual typewriters to ensure their communications remain secure.

On arrival at a confidential meeting on Thursday, MPs were asked to place their phones and computers into a large metal box to stop any potential spies listening in to the conversation.

“Then the committee chairman, Patrick Sensburg switched the music on,” a source told The Suddeutsche Zeitung. “Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor. Just to be safe.”

The committee is investigating the activities of foreign intelligence agents following the disclosure by US whistleblower Edward Snowden, revealing America’s National Security Agency had bugged German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s mobile phone.