§ 3. Mr. John Rodgersasked the Postmaster-General how copies of Communist leaflets came to be inserted in a package delivered in Sevenoaks on Friday, 22nd December; and if he will take steps to prevent such occurrences in the future.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsDetailed inquiry has failed to throw any light on this most regrettable happening, and there is no evidence to show that these leaflets were inserted by any Post Office employee.
§ Mr. RodgersDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the leaflets demanded the immediate recall of troops from Korea and described the Prime Minister as having sold out British interests? Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it reflects badly on the morale of his Department, and has he taken any steps to find out how many Communists there are in the Post Office?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsAs I said, a detailed examination has been made and there is no evidence to show that the leaflets were put in the envelope during the time it was in the charge of the Post Office. Apparently, no Post Office employee can be shown to be guilty of this occurrence.
§ Mr. RodgersThis package was despatched from the Conservative Central Office and it cannot be suspected that it was subject to Communist interference there. Therefore, the only time during which the Communist leaflets could have been inserted was during transit through his Department.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsNo matter from what office the package was sent, I give the assurance to the House that so far as we can find out no Post Office employee was responsible for inserting the leaflets.