§ 16. Mr. THURTLEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is his practice from time to time to authorise the officers of the Post Office or any other persons to open and examine the letters of particular persons during their passage through the post?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Vivian Henderson)Yes, Sir.
§ Mr. THURTLECan the hon. and gallant Member say what considerations determine the Home Secretary in selecting the letters of particular individuals for examination in this way?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONThe prevention of crime and the welfare of the State.
§ Mr. THURTLEIs the fact that the Home Secretary does not like the political views of a particular individual one of the factors which he takes into consideration?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONNo, Sir.
§ Mr. DAYCan the hon. and gallant Member say in how many cases during the last twelve months this authority has been exercised?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONNo, Sir.