HC Deb 01 July 1953 vol 517 c402
56. Mr. Healy

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to complaints in reference to political slogans inserted on postcards by members of the staff in Belfast Post Office, as well as letters being opened and enclosures extracted; and what steps are being taken to remedy these irregularities.

Mr. Gammans

Presumably the hon. Member is referring to the complaints he sent to me recently, one relating to a postcard and the other to a letter. As I have already informed him, I have not been able to discover where these irregularities took place.

Mr. Healy

Is not the Minister aware that there have been a great many more complaints than those which I have sent to him? Is it true that only in the case of those passing through the Belfast office are cards defaced and contents removed from letters? Have not some of the hon. Gentleman's own officials been prosecuted, and will he not inquire whether the officials of the Northern Government now engaged in censoring letters might not know something of this? Will he not inquire from them?

Mr. Gammans

I can only investigate those complaints that are sent to me. If the hon. Member cares to send any more, if he hears of any, I shall be only too glad to investigate.

Captain Orr

Will my hon. Friend not encourage such slogans as "Remember 1690" and "No surrender" as being good for the soul of the hon. Member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone (Mr. Healy)?