MR. O'BRIENasked the Postmaster General, If it is the fact that Thomas Walsh, Postmaster at Castle Townsend, county Cork, who was sentenced to four months' imprisonment under the Crimes Act for writing a threatening Letter, was at first suspended from the Postal service, but was, after his release, restored to his functions; whether it is the case that Postal employés imprisoned under the Coercion Act, who were never convicted nor brought to trial, were afterwards refused reinstatement upon release; why an exception was made in the case of Walsh, who was not only convicted by the magistrates, but whose sentence was confirmed on appeal by the County Court Judge; and, whether it is usual for a convicted criminal to be retained in the service of the Department?
§ MR. FAWCETTThomas Walsh was restored to the postmastership to which the hon. Member refers because it was considered that the action of the Lords Justices was virtually the same as saying that he was innocent of the crime. I am not aware of any such case as that to which the hon. Member refers in the latter part of the Question. If he will direct my attention to any particular case I shall be glad to give him an answer.
§ MR. HEALYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the case of the telegraphist at Cappagh, who, upon mere suspicions——
§ MR. FAWCETTIf the hon. Member will give Notice of the Question I will endeavour to answer it. I could not find any case.