HC Deb 25 January 1968 vol 757 c571
29. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Postmaster-General how many private letters to Rhodesia originating from the United Kingdom have been opened in his Department in the last 12 months.

Mr. Edward Short

Mail sent abroad from this country, whether to Rhodesia or elsewhere, is liable to be opened by the Post Office at the request of H.M. Customs and Excise for Customs and currency control purposes. No record is kept of the numbers of letters addressed to any particular country that are opened for Customs and Excise.

Mr. King

Is it not unfortunate, in view of the charge of censorship which we frequently hear brought against the Rhodesian Government, with some justification, that we should appear to be doing the same thing?

Mr. Short

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman slipped in the word "appear". There is no censorship so far as the Post Office is concerned. Any letters opened are opened purely for Customs and Excise purposes.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is the Postmaster-General aware that reputable people in this country have reason to believe that letters duly posted from Rhodesia are not reaching their destination in the United Kingdom? Will the right hon. Gentleman look into this if I send details to him?

Mr. Short

If the hon. Gentleman can give me specific cases I would be delighted to look into the matter.