asked the Postmaster-General whether he will discontinue the practice of opening personal correspondence sent by residents in this country to British subjects abroad.

Under the provisions of the Foreign Postal Packets (Customs) Warrant, 1948 (Statutory Instrument 1948, No. 562), officers of the Post Office must open such correspondence for examination by the Customs authorities if required to do so by the proper officer of the Customs and Excise. I have no power to refuse such requests.