§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that letters addressed to Socialist societies are now opened in the post; whether this is done after obtaining his sanction by his officials or by detectives; and does he exercise any control over the use made of the contents of these letters?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have been asked to reply to this question. Letters are opened in the post on the authority of the Home Secretary, which is only given by him personally and on strong grounds. The use made of the letters is strictly controlled. It is obviously undesirable that I should indicate in what cases this power is exercised.