§ 38. Mr. BOLANDasked whether letters passing through the post to well-known persons in Ulster have been opened, and whether there has been any system of espionage?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe answer to both questions is in the negative. So far as I am aware or can ascertain, there is no foundation for the suggestion made by Lord Crawford in another place. I should be much obliged if any person who has any impression to the contrary would furnish me with the covers of any letters which, in his opinion, have been opened in the post.
Captain CRAIGIs it possible for letters to be tampered with in Ireland without the right hon. Gentleman or anybody on this side knowing anything about it?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEOf course, it is conceivable that a letter might be tampered with without the Postmaster-General or his staff knowing, but I am anxious to repudiate the suggestion which has been made that the Post Office has had anything to do with the opening of letters.