§ MR. S. SMITH (Flintshire)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether his attention has been drawn to an article in the New York Herald, London edition, of 13th May, on "The Post Office and Betting;" whether he could have a Return prepared showing the proportion of betting telegrams to the rest of the messages conveyed through the Post Office telegraphs; whether it is true that at a great many offices more than half the business done is betting busi- 1575 ness, and on the days of great races the more legitimate messages are greatly delayed by the mass of telegrams which come pouring into and from betting agencies; and whether he sees his way to prevent this use of the Telegraph Department?
§ *MR. RAIKESI do not think it would be desirable or proper for me to discriminate between the different classes of telegrams intrusted to the Post Office for transmission, and I could not, therefore, undertake to prepare such a Return as that asked for. I have no reason to think that what the hon. Member terms "legitimate messages" are delayed by "betting telegrams." Every endeavour is made by the Telegraph Department to meet any pressure of business; but I shall be glad to consider any suggestions which the hon. Member may wish to make to the Department in connection with this subject.
§ MR. S. SMITHThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered the third paragraph of the question, as to the character of the business at many of the offices, and the delay of the more legitimate business.
§ *MR. RAIKESI am not in a position to answer the question. I have already pointed out that it is not in accordance with the duties of the Department to discriminate between business of one kind and another.