HC Deb 01 April 1935 vol 300 cc16-7
50. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can inform the House of any precedent under the common law where the Secretary of State has directed the Postmaster-General to open the private letters of private citizens who are not committing any unlawful act?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)

Yes, Sir, there are precedents, but it is of the very essence of the power of authorising the opening of postal packets that information should not be given as to the occasions or the manner of its use.

Sir W. DAVISON

Does my right hon. Friend realise the growing indignation on the part of the public at this new system of espionage into private corre spondence of individuals who admittedly are not breaking the law?

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