§ MR. PARKER SMITH (Lanark, Partick)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether a Postmaster is eligible for a seat as a Commissioner of a Police Burgh in Scotland; and how far a Postmaster is allowed to take an active part in political matters?
§ MR. A. MORLEYI have no knowledge of what the special duties and functions of a Commissioner of a Police Burgh in Scotland are, but there is no Regulation prohibiting a Postmaster from taking part in parochial or municipal matters so long as his official duties are not interfered with thereby. But as to political matters the case is different. In these a Postmaster is prohibited from taking an active part.
§ SIR J. FERGUSSON (Manchester, N.E.)May I ask whether Postmasters in England are not prohibited from serving on County Councils?
§ MR. A. MORLEYYes, Sir: there is a Rule to that effect.
§ MR. TOMLINSONDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider a County Councillor a political officer?
§ MR. A. MORLEYThe Regulation in question was enforced before I was appointed Postmaster General, and I see no reason to interfere with it.