HC Deb 25 February 1935 vol 298 cc770-1
37. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Home Secretary whether he has given instructions to the Postmaster-General to stop any telegram from a private individual to the Irish Free State with reference to the forthcoming Irish hospitals sweepstake; will he inform the House as to his statutory authority for withholding postal facilities from an individual who is not breaking the law; and how many telegrams relating to lotteries have been stopped since 1st January?

Sir J. GILMOUR

As I have explained in reply to previous questions, the power to detain a postal packet is a common law power which has frequently been recognised by statute, and the power extends to telegrams as well as to other postal packets. The distribution in this country by the promoters of the Irish sweepstakes or their agents of Tottery tickets is unlawful, but it would not be in the public interest to explain in detail the measures which are, or may be, taken from time to time by the executive authorities to secure that the intention of Parliament to prevent the sale and distribution in this country of tickets in unlawful lotteries is not frustrated.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I am asking about telegrams from private individuals whose action is entirely lawful, and does he suggest to the House that he is entitled to ask the Postmaster-General under the common law to open letters except in eases where a breach of the law is apprehended?

Sir J. GILMOUR

All I have to say is that it is very regrettable that advertisement of this should take place in this House when the newspapers are prevented.

13. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Postmaster-General how many private letters have been opened since the 1st January at the instance of the Secretary of State for the Home Department in order to ascertain whether they contain matter relating to sweepstakes

Sir A. LAMBERT WARD (Lord of the Treasury)

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend thinks that it would be contrary to the public interest to give the information for which my hon. Friend asks.

Sir W. DAVISON

Will my hon. and gallant Friend state why it is contrary to the public interest, and is there any reason, as this is an infringement of the liberty of the private individual, why he should not give the number of cases where the private letters of people who are acting perfectly legally are opened?

Sir A. LAMBERT WARD

I will convey the hon. Gentleman's question to the Postmaster-General.

Sir W. DAVISON

I will put another question down.