HC Deb 02 June 1891 vol 353 cc1468-9
MR. CREMER (Shoreditch, Haggerston)

I beg to ask the Postmaster General if he would explain why the promises of interviews, understood to be made to the countermen of the Metropolitan District on the 9th and 16th of July last, were not kept; whether another application for an interview was received on or about the 17th of October last, and why no answer has been forwarded to such application; and whether he will, at an early date, receive a deputation from the countermen in the Metropolitan District?

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAISES,) Cambridge University

In reply to the hon. Member, I have to state that I had fixed a day to see the countermen of the Metropolitan District early in July, 1890; but owing to the pressure of very urgent business on the day in question, I was at the last moment prevented from receiving the deputation. Meanwhile, their Memorial had been for some time under consideration in connection with the revision of the postal and telegraph establishments, and certain changes had been decided on which it was arranged should take effect from the 11th July, 1890. I found it impossible to receive them in the interval, and had I been able to do so, it would not have affected the decision of the 11th July. On the 16th July I caused the following communication to be addressed to them:— Please inform the countermen who are coming on a deputation to-day that their case has been considered and decided, and that the announcement will be made as soon as possible, and is only delayed in order to make some clerical corrections. Under these circumstances, the deputation will be unnecessary. I can find no trace of an application dated the 17th October last, and it is not my intention to receive a deputation.