§ 33. Mr. Ridleyasked the Postmaster-General if he will direct that all telegrams sent to an address, as opposed to a telephone number, be delivered by hand in a sealed envelope in the interests of privacy.
§ The Postmaster-General (Mr. Reginald Bevins)When either the sender or the recipient specifies hand delivery, telegrams are delivered in sealed envelopes. Other telegrams are delivered by telephone when this is quicker or cheaper than by hand. This practice has been followed for many years and is, I think, in the best interest of users of the service.
§ Mr. RidleyAs telegrams are now very nearly the most expensive form of communication, does not my right hon. Friend realise that sometimes confidential and important news does reach the wrong ears, and that it would be much better if this news could always go to the addressee by hand, rather than to a telephone number?
§ Mr. BevinsIt is true that telegrams are expensive but if they were always delivered in sealed packets they would be even more expensive.