30. Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that letters from parents to children on strictly family matters, after having been opened by the Censor, have been returned to the sender with an intimation that they cannot be forwarded to their destination in consequence of the length of such communications; and, if it is necessary for this course to be adopted in the interest of the country, will he take steps to inform the public accordingly, in order that they may know that such Regulations are in force and thereby save in many cases great anxiety?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONA notice was issued to the Press on the 26th June, 1915, that letters which are of great length and barely legible are liable to be delayed and may in extreme cases be detained or returned to the sender. In order to reduce the burden of work which falls upon the postal censorship, it is necessary to enforce this warning, unless the contents of the letter are seen to involve matters of importance.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEDoes that hold good in regard to inland letters that are censored?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI must have notice of that question. I was dealing with letters sent abroad.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEHas the reply reference to letters sent from parents in England to their sons serving abroad?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo.
§ Captain WRIGHTIs there any definition of what is "great length"?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI do not-remember exactly what the censorship Order was, but I will endeavour to get it for my hon. Friend.