HC Deb 24 July 1890 vol 347 cc719-20
MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAM

I beg to ask the Postmaster General if he can state the grounds on which he has recently dismissed a second class sorter of 13 years' standing, named James Nowers Cornwell, and without giving him an opportunity of making himself acquainted with the nature of the actual charge against him and replying thereto; whether, although articles of jewellery were taken from his house, they were subsequently returned to him without. comment, he having accounted for the same; whether Cornwell was asked to assist in the detection, and did assist in the detection, of dishonest employés, and worked generally under the supervision of the Confidential Inquiry Branch for many years, and whether, at the time of such request, Cornwell was suspected of tampering with or purloining a parcel so long ago as September 1888; whether evidence was taken from a person who was reduced in rank through an inquiry instituted in consequence of a report made by Cornwell; and whether he will permit an inquiry into the facts, and allow Cornwell to be present to answer any charge against him, and produce evidence, documentary or otherwise, as he is confident he can establish his innocence if permitted to do so?

* MR. RAIKES

The sorter Cornwell was dismissed upon evidence which showed him, in my opinion, to be unfit for employment in the Public Service. In the course of the investigation he was asked to account for his possession of certain articles of jewellery, and, at its close, these articles were returned to him. Cornwell had occasionally assisted the Confidential Inquiry Branch, and it was not until a comparatively recent date that suspicion fell upon him. The person referred to by the hon. Member was only one of many who gave evidence, and his testimony received corroboration from independent sources. The investigation was a very complete one, and Cornwell was given the fullest opportunity of explaining and rebutting, both verbally and in writing, all the facts which told against him. Since his dis- missal, Cornwell has been informed that any fresh facts which he might bring-forward would receive proper consideration. Ho has failed to adduce any new matter, and I must decline, therefore, to re-open the inquiry.