§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Dublin Co., S.)asked the Postmaster General, By whose authority are the letters of Irish Members of Parliament opened in the post; and, if he will take steps to put an end to the practice?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)To the Question of the hon. Baronet the answer is simple—that it is not in my power to put an end to a practice which does not exist.
§ S THOMAS ESMONDEIf a case is put into the hands of the right hon. Gentleman in which letters to an Irish Member from his constituents were opened, will he order an inquiry to be made into the matter? I also wish to ask him, is it not a fact that there is in the post office at Cork an individual especially employed for the "Grahamising" of letters from America?
§ MR. RAIKESCertainly. I will have an inquiry made into any case that may be brought before me.
§ MR. W. REDMOND (Fermanagh, N.)I can tell the right hon. Gentleman that the practice does exist.