asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received reports from commercial houses of standing in China to the effect that their mails have been tampered with in passing through Soviet Russia; and whether he is satisfied that the public are safe in using this means of communication?

On a point of Order, Sir. Before this question is answered, may I ask for your ruling as to whether it is in order, in view of the fact that it contains an innuendo against a friendly Power?

I do not think it does, necessarily. I have heard of mails being tampered with in many countries in the world.

I have not received any reports which would indicate that the mails for China sent by the Siberian route are being tampered with in transit; and I have no grounds for advising that this route should not be used.