If they were spying it would just be a total cock up. Surely getting the CSA sorted out first and all the millions of lost 'revenue' from that would be a better computer project, as the system they already have doesn't work.
Back in the days of the 'Cold War' they had nuclear landmines in East Germany which were to be used in case the Commies planned to invade Europe. The only way they could stop these mines from freezing up was to place a live chicken in them, whose bodyheat would effectively stop them from freezing for about 1 week till the chicken died, possibly of radiation, possibly of starvation or similar. This is the level of innovation amongst the Government and its intelligence sectors.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3588465.stmThey said planned, but I heard they were actually doing it.