§ Dr. Littleasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a letter from Messrs. Maguire and Herbert, Solicitors, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, containing a brief for a criminal defence posted at Enniskillen on 21st October, 1943, and addressed to John G. Agnew, Esq., B.L., Eastlands, 10, Rosepark, Dundonald, Belfast, was not delivered until 26th October, 1943, having been opened in the course of post and delivered one day after the trial of the defendant; who was responsible for the opening and detention of the letter; and why he does not treat a brief on behalf of a defendant on a criminal charge as a privileged document.
Mr. GrimstonI am aware that this letter was delayed and may have been tampered with in course of post. I greatly regret the inconvenience caused, which appears to have been due to the irregular action of some Post Office servant at present unknown. The suggestion implied in the Question that the letter was delayed and opened under authority is without foundation.