§ 16. Mr. DIXEYasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the practice of the police authorities in opening letters from prisoners in gaol pending trial for alleged offences; and, if so, will he consider putting an end to this practice?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAll letters from prisoners in gaol, except letters to their legal advisers, are submitted in an open condition to the prison authorities for examination before dispatch, and I can see no sufficient grounds for altering the practice.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHACan the light hon. Gentleman say whether that practice was followed in the recent Lincoln trial? Was the letter on which the accused was convicted submitted in the manner indicated in the answer?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI must ask for notice of that question.