§ MR. BRADLAUGHI beg to ask the Postmaster General whether ho is aware that the District Post Office, Sidford, near Sidmouth, of which Mrs. Symons, deceased, was postmistress, has been conducted for many years without complaint; whether for several years past the active duties of postmistress have, during the failing health of Mrs. Symons, been really performed by Miss Susan Mitchell, the sister and copartner of Mrs. Symons; whether, on the death of Mrs. Symons, the post office has, without cause assigned, been removed to another part of the village, although Miss Mitchell was able and willing to continue to conduct the post office; and, whether he can state the reasons for this course?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES,) University of CambridgeThe facts relating to the Sidford Post Office are, I understand, as alleged by the hon. Member. The appointment has been made upon the nomination of the Lords of the Treasury, with whom, and not with the Postmaster General, rests the selection of persons for offices of this class.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHDo not the facts which the right hon. Gentleman has stated render it a hard case that this lady should be deprived of what has been practically her livelihood for the last few years, seeing that she has performed her duties properly?
§ * MR. RAIKESMy only function, in a case of this sort, is to ascertain whether the person nominated is a proper person.