§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)asked the Postmaster General, Whether his attention has been called to the fact that Mr. J. F. Wight, of the Money Order Department, General Post Office, presided at a political meeting of the Primrose League in the Lecture Hall, St. Aubyn's Road, Upper Norwood, at which, among others present upon the platform, were the hon. members for Croydon, Norwood, Dulwich, East Bradford, &c.; and, 1431 whether Members of the Post Office Staff who belong to other Political Associations will be allowed a similar liberty?
§ MR. BYRON REED (Bradford, E.)asked the right hon. Gentleman whether, in his opinion, there was not a wide distinction to be drawn between political meetings of a legal and loyal character, and political meetings of an illegal and disloyal character?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! The Question, in the language in which it is put, is out of Order, and deals with a matter of opinion.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)(who replied) said: I explained last night the view of the Government in regard to the Question which the hon. Gentleman has addressed to me. I do not think I should be acting fairly to a large body of very efficient public servants if I departed from the position which I then laid down. I think no arrangement should be made rashly or hastily in reference to a very large body of useful Civil servants.