§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)asked the Postmaster General, Whether the facts stated in a letter to The Daily News, of Tuesday 1st March, under the heading Post Office Patronage, and signed "A Looker On," are correct, namely—
That in the case of removal of a sub-office in Bute Street, Cardiff, and the appointment to the new sub-office of a Postmaster, that the site of the latter has been chosen with the object of suiting the convenience of a few, and is objected to by the majority of the people;whether, although several local tradesmen applied for the Postmastership the post was conferred upon a foreigner; and, whether the said foreigner was the only Conservative candidate for the position?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)The nomination to the post-office in Bute Street, Cardiff, was made in the ordinary course by the Lords of the Treasury. I have ascertained that the person who has been nominated is, in all respects, fit for the appointment. He has been in business in Cardiff for 40 years, and his premises are not more than 40 yards distant from the former office. I have no knowledge of the politics of the person nominated, nor do I know if there were any other applicants, as I had nothing to do with the selection.
§ DR. TANNERWas he a foreigner?
§ MR. RAIKESI do not know. I have been informed that he has been upwards of 40 years in business in Cardiff. I did not nominate him or select him for the appointment.