§ 20. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that sealed private letters between persons residing in Jersey and correspondents in the Irish. Free State, having nothing whatever to do with lotteries, continue to be opened by the British Post Office in transit to the Irish Free State; and whether he will give directions that this continual interference with the private communications of private individuals through the post shall be discontinued?
§ Sir K. WOODAs I have frequently explained, letters can be opened only in pursuance of directions issued by a Secretary of State; letters addressed to known intermediaries of the promoters of the Irish Hospitals Sweepstakes are liable 1587 to examination, if the Secretary of State so directs. Letters addressed to such persons which do not relate to the sweepstake are forwarded to the addressees.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I drew his attention to the matter referred to in the question some weeks ago; that these letters have nothing whatever to do with the Irish Sweepstake, and will he see that private letters to private individuals on their own private affairs are not opened in the post?
§ Sir JOSEPH LAMBCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any additional staff has had to be appointed for this nefarious practice?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir. We do it in our stride.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs my right hon. Friend aware that this form of progression by the Post Office is greatly resented by private individuals, and will he take some discriminatory steps to see that private correspondence is not opened?