HC Deb 02 March 1896 vol 37 cc1497-8
MR. BYRON REED) (Bradford, E.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether it is necessary, in order to obtain the services of a direct representative of the Postmaster General in this House, to pass legislation for that object, assuming such representative to be an unpaid official; and, whether in the event of legislation being necessary to this end, Her Majesty's Government will give facilities for the passing of a Measure if introduced by unofficial Members?

THE FIRST LOUD OF THE TREASURY

There are legal difficulties connected with this matter which I do not think it necessary to go into. Whether these difficulties can be solved in the way indicated or not, I do not think it would be desirable to have a new unpaid representative of the Post Office in the Government. The matter will be considered.

MR. BYRON REED

Arising out of that answer, Sir, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it would not be possible to appoint an officer to deal with Post Office questions in this House which would be unconnected with the Government?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

No, Sir, I think the anomaly of having an unofficial Member would be so great that it would not meet with general approval.