HC Deb 03 May 1923 vol 163 cc1592-3
38. Captain W. BENN

asked 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-LAMPSON

Warrants 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 BENN

Can 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-LAMPSON

I am afraid I cannot say for how many years, but that particular practice has been in vogue for a great number of years.

Mr. PONSONBY

Is it not a fact that that practice was introduced in 1914 and never existed before then?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

My 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. WALLHEAD

Do the Post Office open letters without a warrant from the Home Office?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Certainly not.

Commander BELLAIRS

Who specifies the opening of these letters?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

A warrant has always to be obtained from the Home Office.