HC Deb 05 March 1885 vol 295 cc106-7
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

asked the Postmaster General, Whether it is a fact that Mr. Edward Byrne, Sub-Postmaster of Craanford, in the county of Wexford, was threatened with dismissal by the Post Office authorities in Dublin because meetings of a branch of the National League were held at Craanford, in the same house as the Post Office; whether, if this be so, there is any rule prohibiting the meetings of political Constitutional Committees in a house, part of which is used as a Post Office; and, whether this rule is in force in England as well as Ireland?

MR. SHAW LEFEVRE,

in reply, said, that it was not the case that the threat of dismissal had been made. The man had applied to the Postal Authorities for advice, and was informed that the Department always discouraged its officials from connecting themselves with political agitations.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

In connection with the answer to the Question, I would like to ask the right hon. Gentleman, Whether or not it is a fact that Mr. Edward Byrne, sub-postmaster of Craanford, as a matter of fact, was not taking any active part in the Na- tional League movement; and, whether he had no further connection with the movement, except that in one of the rooms of the post-office meetings of the National League were held?

MR. SHAW LEFEVRE

I can only repeat my answer. I am not aware whether rooms in the post-office were let for that purpose.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

The right hon. Gentleman has stated that no threat of dismissal was held out to the sub-postmaster of Craanford. I would like to know whether it is not actually a fact that the Post Office Authorities compelled Mr. Byrne to give a written undertaking or agreement that he would not allow National League meetings to be held in the house where the post-office was, and that the alternative to signing this agreement was that he should be dismissed? I believe I have a copy of this undertaking that is denied in my possession.

MR. SHAW LEFEVRE

The answer I have given is the only one I can give.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman—[Cries of "Oh!" and "Order!"] Very well; I beg to give Notice that on to-morrow afternoon I shall ask Whether it is a fact that the Post Office Authorities compelled Mr. Byrne to give a written undertaking, with the alternative of dismissal, that he would not allow National League meetings to be held in the house?