HC Deb 14 August 1916 vol 85 cc1405-6
36. Mr. BOOTH

asked the Postmaster-General if persons of enemy origin are allowed to send telegrams mentioning a Member of this House by name in an abusive manner; and whether, in the case of an unsigned telegram of this character, he will reveal the name and address given by the sender or at least state whether the original document indicates a similarity to German handwriting?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. J. Pease)

Telegrams containing grossly offensive matter are not allowed to be transmitted. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any offensive telegram which has been sent forward, I will endeavour to trace it. The contents of a telegram cannot be made public except on subpoena, but a telegram is usually shown to an addressee or his authorised agent, on application.

Mr. BOOTH

Are we to understand from that reply that any of these Germans who are knocking about with this freedom can go to any telegraph office and send abusive telegrams mentioning Members of Parliament by name; and have we no redress?

Mr. PEASE

If they are offensive they will not be allowed to be transmitted. If they are inoffensive they are bound to be accepted.

Mr. BOOTH

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that unsigned telegrams referring to a Member of this House by name and saying that amazing charges will be brought against him, that he is a desperate character, and so on—does he consider that his Department is the proper vehicle for the transmission of that without disclosing who is the offender?

Mr. PEASE

Of course I cannot say who is the individual referred to, and so I cannot say whether those terms might be offensive or otherwise. But if the hon. Member will only send me particulars of any cases I will investigate them at once.

Sir J. SIMON

Is it not the rule that in the case of telegrams unsigned on the face, the name and address of the sender have to be written on the back?

Mr. PEASE

That is so.

Mr. BOOTH

Will the right hon. Gentleman disclose the name of the sender if he thinks the circumstances warrant it, in order that proceedings may be taken to stop it?

Mr. PEASE

On subpoena the telegram containing the whole of the particulars will be produced in Court, and if the Court decided that the telegram should be made public it would then become public property; but otherwise I have no justification for publishing any telegram.

Mr. BOOTH

I quite accept that.

Mr. BILLING

Has a Minister access to telegrams sent to Members of this House?

Mr. PEASE

Not unless he has got the authority through the Court on a subpœna

Mr. BILLING

Does the same rule apply to letters?