§ MR. BURTasked the Postmaster General, Whether it is true that all Postmasters are obliged to distribute papers and pamphlets showing the advantages of the Army, and inviting young men to apply to them for forms of application to enlist; and, if so, whether Postmasters are informed before their appointment that, in addition to the regular duties of their own office, they are to distribute papers of this description?
§ LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISHSir, I have been asked by my right hon. Friend—who is compelled by indisposition to be absent—to answer this Question. Placards and circulars connected with the Army and other Government Departments have, on many occasions, been exhibited and distributed at post offices. The Post Office was asked last year by the War Office to have the notices referred to in the Question exhibited; but the arrangement only came into force on the 1st of this month. It is not thought that the exhibiting of a placard, and the handing of a small pamphlet across the counter, can appreciably increase the work of the postmasters. At any rate, I learn from my right hon. Friend that no complaints have reached the Post Office on the subject.