HC Deb 17 December 1952 vol 509 cc1388-9
24. Mr. Orbach

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General to make a statement with regard to the tampering with the mail of Flight-Lieutenant Strachan, retired, of N.W.6, who addressed an inquiry to him on 6th December.

Mr. Gammans

I am looking into this matter and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Orbach

Is the Assistant Postmaster-General aware that after the receipt of this complaint the gentleman concerned, Flight-Lieutenant Strachan, had his morning post delivered for the first time in 12 months? I want to ask this simple question? Is there any censorship of the mail received by this individual?

Mr. Gammans

I would prefer to look into all the details of this case before I give the hon. Gentleman any answer on this point.

Mr. Orbach

Is there any censorship of the mail sent by the hon. Member for Willesden, East to this gentleman?

Mr. Gammans

I should imagine not, but I have not looked into the case at all yet. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"] The hon. Gentleman will understand that I have given him all the information to which he is entitled.

Mr. Orbach

I want to follow this up. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a letter addressed to a local firm, postmarked, "London," was delivered inside an envelope which had been received from Hungary; and, apart from the question of the censorship of my constituent's correspondence, has the hon. Gentleman made recompense to the London firm concerned and sent his apologies for the delay in the delivery of their correspondence?

Mr. Gammans

When all the details of this case are investigated I shall then be in a position to give the hon. Gentleman all the information he wants.

Mr. Orbach

It is thoroughly unsatisfactory.