§ SIR HERBERT MAXWELLasked the Postmaster General, If he is aware that Mr. John Fraser, solicitor, who has recently been appointed postmaster in Keith, is the agent for the Liberal party in that district; whether there is any precedent for the appointment of a lawyer in practice as postmaster; and, whether he has considered the undue advantage which must be given to a lawyer and political agent by the knowledge of the contents of telegrams both on legal and political business?
§ MR. FAWCETTIn reply to the hon. Member I beg to state that Mr. Fraser was nominated "for the postmastership of Keith by the Lords of the Treasury. At the time I confirmed his appointment I did not know that he was the agent for the Liberal Party, nor had I any idea what his politics were. The only point I had to satisfy myself upon was whether he was a suitable person. I may say that there are three other instances in Scotland of post-offices being held by practising lawyers, and I have no reason for supposing that in any of these cases an improper use is made of information which their official position gives them. I understand that Memorials are in course of signature which show that the appointment of Mr. Fraser has given 1334 great satisfaction to the majority of the inhabitants of the district.
§ SIR HERBERT MAXWELLI would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has not already received a Memorial, influentially signed in the district, protesting against the injustice to the public by access being given by this appointment of a solicitor in practice to confidential telegrams from other solicitors?
§ MR. FAWCETTI know that this appointment has created some dissatisfaction. Indeed, I find that no appointments give absolute satisfaction. I have not had time to compare the Memorials; but I believe that I correctly stated just now that this appointment has given general satisfaction to a great majority of the people of the district.
§ MR. GIBSONHas the Postmaster General ever yet been at liberty to overrule appointments made by the Lords of the Treasury?
§ MR. FAWCETTYes, Sir; that is constantly done. When I receive a nomination of the Treasury I studiously avoid making any inquiries about politics or religion. All I do is to make inquiry as to character, and whether the person is suitable to carry on the business.
§ SIR HERBEET MAXWELLDoes the right hon. Gentleman know whether it is true, as I have been informed since, that Mr. Fraser has acted, and continues to act, as the political agent of a Member of Her Majesty's Government?
§ MR. FAWCETTI have stated that I always avoided making inquiries, and I had not made any inquiries about this appointment; but, as the hon. Member asked me a question, I should be wanting in frankness if I did not say that I had heard—not from anyone connected with the Government, but from someone I do not know—that immediately Mr. Fraser received that appointment he ceased to act as agent for the Liberal Party. Whether that is the case or not I do not know.
§ SIR HERBERT MAXWELLI beg to give Notice that, in consequence of this appointment, and of a similar appointment in Londonderry, I shall move a reduction of the Post Office Vote in Committee of Supply.
§ MR. MACFARLANEAt the same time, Sir, I will ask whether, if it is inconsistent for a solicitor to be a postmaster, 1335 the same rule does not apply to procurators fiscal and sheriff's clerks who are private agents to landlords?