HC Deb 22 March 1972 vol 833 cc1476-7
3. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will protest to the Universal Postal Union concerning the Soviet authorities' interference with or interception of mail and cables sent from Great Britain to Jewish people in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Mr. Chataway

No, Sir. I have no evidence that any breach of the relevant international regulations has occurred.

Mr. Janner

Is the Minister aware of the shocking interference by the Soviet authorities with cables and letters directed by people in this country to Jewish citizens in the Soviet Union? Is he further aware that this applies to mail sent by hon. Members on both sides of the House and by the Parliamentary Committee for Soviet Jewry? Is he also aware that the first letter to reach the distinguished and harassed Jewish scientist Vladimir Slepak occurred only after a Question on this subject had appeared on the Order Paper? Will he undertake that if evidence is given of such interference, he will raise it with the Soviet authorities in whatever may be the proper manner?

Mr. Chataway

I can give the hon. and learned Gentleman the assurance that if there is evidence of this kind the Post Office will pursue it vigorously with the U.S.S.R. postal authorities. I have every sympathy with the hon. and learned Gentleman and, as I have told him in correspondence, Her Majesty's Government would deplore any unwarranted interference with the delivery of mail wherever it occurred.

Mr. Cormack

I thank my right hon. Friend for what he has just said. It will give great comfort to many whose letters have not been received. I understand that even Mr. Kosygin does not receive letters addressed to him.

Mr. Chataway

I appreciate what my hon. Friend says. The fact is that the U.P.U. Convention permits postal authorities to prohibit the importation or circulation of items they choose, but where an item is not delivered the Convention requires that that postal administration should notify the postal administration of the sender country.