§ 44. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he is aware that the illegal Smith régime, which is in rebellion against the Crown, is continuing to send to hon. Members of the Houses of Parliament unsolicited seditious literature; and if, in view of the fact that this is involving the Post Office in supporting an illegal régime, he will issue a general direction to the Post Office Board to cease transmitting seditious propaganda from the so-called Rhodesian Government.
§ Mr. StonehouseI cannot accept that the Post Office is supporting the illegal régime in Southern Rhodesia. Literature of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers does not offend against the relevant postal regulations, and in any case, mail is not censored in this country, so that it follows the Post Office has no means of knowing what a particular sealed envelope contains.
§ Mr. LewisIs my right hon. Friend aware that hon. Members are continuously receiving this seditious and foul material? Therefore, the Post Office must obviously be assisting an illegal régime. Surely the Post Office should not be allowed to do that? Ordinary citizens are not allowed to do it. Why should the Post Office carry on doing it?
§ Mr. StonehouseIt would be unfortunate if we were to allow the Post Office to interfere with the free mail on the lines suggested.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs the Minister aware that I frequently receive through the mails——
§ Mr. FauldsYour instructions.
§ Mr. Biggs-Davison—literature from Communist régimes not recognised by this country, and I make no complaint whatever?
§ 54. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if the stamps issued by the Rhodesian régime, following the illegal declaration of a republic, are accepted by the postal authorities on letters arriving in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. StonehouseNo, Sir. The definitive decimal stamps recently issued by the régime are not valid for the prepayment of postage, and I am arranging for member countries of the Universal Postal Union to be told of this fact. In the United Kingdom incoming Rhodesian mail bearing these stamps will fall to be treated as unpaid or underpaid and will be liable to surcharge.
§ Mr. RobertsIs my right hon. Friend aware that on this side of the House at any rate his answer will be applauded, as it makes it clear to people here and in Rhodesia that the Smith régime is not only illegal but repugnant?
§ Mr. StonehouseI am grateful for that comment. It certainly will be the case that recipients of mail in Great Britain will now have it brought home to them that the Rhodesian régime is illegal and has no authority for producing republican régime stamps.