§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Postmaster-General the number of persons in Ireland whose letters are opened in the Post Office for purposes of espionage and the number whose letters are confiscated; and whether he will reduce the inconvenience which this interference causes to professional and business men by having the examination of their correspondence carried out locally and all lawful letters delivered without needless loss of time?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe military authorities, by whom the censorship of correspondence in Ireland is being carried out, are of opinion that the public interest would not be served by the disclosure of the information asked for. With regard to the second part of the question, I am assured that no more delay is involved in the delivery of letters than is necessary to their due examination.