asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that considerable delay is occasioned by the opening of letters arriving here by air-mail from America; if he will state whether he has received any representations in regard to hardships imposed on addressees as a result of such delays, in some instances extending to three weeks; and if he will take steps to ensure that the despatch of such letters is expedited.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Opening of Air-Mail Letters.
The only letter packets arriving by air-mail from America which are subjected to delay here are those detained on suspicion of containing contraband. The customs authorities have no power to open such packets until they have obtained permission from the addressee or until four days have elapsed, whichever is the earlier. Letter packets which are found on opening not to contravene the regulations are put in the course of post immediately.
I have received a small number of complaints regarding delay to air-mail letters so detained. Almost all these delays occurred during a period when detentions were very numerous and the customs centre at Limerick was understaffed. This position has now been rectified and I am satisfied that air-mail correspondence is treated with the utmost expedition, both by the revenue authorities and by my Department.
Will the Minister say if postal packets by air mail are opened on suspicion of containing currency notes?
Towards the end of last year it came under notice at Limerick Post Office that a considerable number of air-mail letters containing British banknotes were arriving from America. As the import of British currency other than from Great Britain, Isle of Man and Channel Islands is prohibited such packets were detained and handed over to the customs authorities for appropriate treatment.