HC Deb 21 July 1915 vol 73 cc1499-500
55. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Postmaster-General whether the undertaking still holds good, and for all Members, that letters addressed to hon. Members at this House shall not be tampered with in the Post Office; if so, why such a letter, sealed and posted in Dublin on the 12th instant, was opened and noted, bearing Dublin postmarks of the 13th and 15th instant, and was not delivered until the 16th instant, though its business was urgent; whether it was found to contain any criminal matter; why it was opened; whether he accepts responsibility for property abstracted from letters so dealt with; whether the recent English letters threatening the life of the same Member were also opened and noted; if so, what steps were taken to bring the writers to justice; and whether, in future, he will have either all or none of the letters coming to this Member opened in the Post Office?

Mr. H. SAMUEL

I have no knowledge of any letter such as that described by the hon. Member.

Mr. GINNELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire?

Mr. SAMUEL

Yes, Sir, if the hon. Member will be good enough to give me any information. If he has the cover of the letter, or any description of it, I should be glad if he will send it to me.

Mr. GINNELL

I have the cover of the letter, and I am prepared to hand it to any Member of this House, but not to the Postmaster-General.