HC Deb 23 June 1881 vol 262 cc1101-2
MR. SCHREIBER

asked the Postmaster General, Whether a scheme may shortly be expected dealing with the case of the Metropolitan Letter-carriers, as laid before him in their Petitions?

MR. FAWCETT

Sir, in addition to the Memorials to which the hon. Member refers, numerous others have been sent to me from different parts of the country by letter-carriers, stampers, bagmen porters, linemen, &c. I can only say that these Memorials shall be carefully considered. Having said this, I trust it will not be thought I am asking too much, if I express a hope that I shall not be pressed to give a decision before there has been time properly to investigate the subject.

MR. SCHREIBER

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would promise not to take the Post Office Vote before he had come to a decision on the subject?

MR. FAWCETT

Sir, any question involving the expenditure of public money is one for serious consideration. I feel I should not be acting rightly towards the taxpayers of the country if I were to make any other promise than that which I have already made. All I can say is that the subject shall be fully investigated, and that I will spare no effort to come to a decision as soon as possible, and that when I have come to it, I will lay my proposals, if I have any to make, before the Treasury.