Oral Answers to Questions — Post Office. – in the House of Commons at on 16 April 1929.
Mr Ernest Thurtle
, Shoreditch
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is his practice from time to time to authorise the officers of the Post Office or any other persons to open and examine the letters of particular persons during their passage through the post?
The UNDER-Secretary of State for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Vivian Henderson):
Yes, Sir.
Mr Ernest Thurtle
, Shoreditch
Can the hon. and gallant Member say what considerations determine the Home Secretary in selecting the letters of particular individuals for examination in this way?
Colonel Sir Vivian Henderson
, Bootle
The prevention of crime and the welfare of the State.
Mr Ernest Thurtle
, Shoreditch
Is the fact that the Home Secretary does not like the political views of a particular individual one of the factors which he takes into consideration?
Mr Harry Day
, Southwark Central
Can the hon. and gallant Member say in how many cases during the last twelve months this authority has been exercised?
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
