§ 38. Captain W. BENNasked the Home Secretary whether it is his practice to issue warrants authorising the Postmaster-General to open specified letters, or whether he issues a warrant authorising the opening of all letters addressed to certain individuals; and how long the present practice has been in vogue?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONWarrants are issued in respect of specified letters or of all letters addressed to a specified individual, according as circumstances may require. The present practice has been in vogue for many years.
§ Captain BENNCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the practice of issuing warrants for the opening of all letters addressed to one individual has been in vogue for a long time, and, if so, for how many years?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI am afraid I cannot say for how many years, but that particular practice has been in vogue for a great number of years.
§ Mr. PONSONBYIs it not a fact that that practice was introduced in 1914 and never existed before then?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONMy information is that it has been the practice for a great many years; I can find out how many years if the hon. Member puts down a question.
§ Mr. WALLHEADDo the Post Office open letters without a warrant from the Home Office?
§ Commander BELLAIRSWho specifies the opening of these letters?