§ 15. Mr. Bennasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why letters addressed to Mr. Dom Mintoff, former Prime Minister of Malta, are being opened by the authorities; and what authorisation, by warrant or otherwise, is required before such letters can be opened in Malta.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodNo letters addressed to Mr. Mintoff have been opened by the authorities in Malta. For this to be done a Governor's Warrant under the Seditious Propaganda (Prohibition) Ordinance would be required, and no such Warrant has been issued.
§ Mr. BennWhile I am grateful for the right hon. Gentleman's assurance, which will be very well received elsewhere, may I ask him whether he is aware that Mr. Mintoff has received letters from Mr. Nehru and from the United Nations, both in new envelopes and both containing the note, "Found damaged and secured in the post", and that his suspicions, not unnaturally, have been aroused by these events?