asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is to be the number of staff engaged to examine and censor letters and parcels in connection with the Exchange Control Act; whether he will give a precise indication of the limitations which "will be imposed on the activities of the examining staff; and whether he will give an assurance that they will take no other action on the letters they open except in connection with the Exchange Control Act.

About a dozen officials directed from other duties will be needed to strengthen the staff who keep the normal customs watch for smuggled and prohibited articles. I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that in no circumstances is any action taken on letters they open, if they do not contain such articles.