§ 71. Mr. GINNELLasked to what extent and on what grounds the undertaking not to tamper with the correspondence of Members of this House is departed from; why the letters are not frankly cut open by the Censor and acknowledged, but opened furtively; why some are never delivered; and whether he will introduce a uniform practice in this matter, and say what it is?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe last general statements made on this matter were those made by the Prime Minister and by myself on the 23rd May. A uniform practice has been introduced and is now in operation. Correspondence of every person in this country, except that of persons who habitually conduct official correspondence, is liable to censorship. All letters which 740 have been opened in the United Kingdom should bear a label with the words "Opened by Censor." No letters are ever opened furtively by censors in this country, but letters from neutral countries occasionally come into the hands of the Censor which appear to have been opened and resealed by the writers or by some other person in the country of origin. All incoming letters are delivered to the addressee, unless they give cause for inquiry or are required for the purpose of the prosecution of the writer, the addressee, or a third person referred to in the letter.
§ Mr. GINNELLWill the right hon. Gentleman or the Postmaster-General account for the fact that this envelope which I hold in my hand has been treated furtively in the manner described in my question and that other letters in the envelopes of this House have never been delivered; and how is it attempted to deny this when the actual envelopes so treated are produced?
§ Mr. TENNANTI can only answer the first part of the question by assuming that some person has opened the envelope and resealed it, whether out of curiosity or from other motives I am unable to say; but I think that is clearly obvious.
§ Mr. GINNELLCan the Postmaster-General guarantee the security of letters against opening except by the Censor?