HC Deb 02 March 1970 vol 797 c36W
Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer which bodies or Departments are authorised by him to open items of mail.

Mr. Taverne

None; but under the law the Customs and Excise Department may require the opening for customs examination of any postal packet arriving in, or about to be despatched from, the United Kingdom.