HC Deb 26 February 1897 vol 46 c1258
MR. KNOX

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that a bogus telegram was twice delivered to Rev. D. Humphreys, P.P., Killenaule, on 4th February, purporting in the first case to have been sent from Cloumel, and in the second to have been sent from Clogheen; that the postmaster at Killenaule stated that he re-delivered the telegram as coming from Clogheen, in consequence of an inquiry made over the wires to Clonmel; that the officer in charge of the telegraph at Clonmel states that no telegram was sent thence, and no inquiry as to a telegram made from Killenaule on that day; and that the postmaster at Clogheen refuses all information; and whether the Postmaster General will direct an inquiry into this matter, with a view to discovering whether any postal official was responsible for giving this annoyance?

MR. HANBURY

I can only answer the hon. Member's Question in part, as the matter to which it relates is under investigation in Ireland, and the facts are only partly known in London. It appears, however, that the telegram referred to was delivered to the Rev. D. Humphreys through an unfortunate error in telegraphing his name instead of that of the actual addressee. It is not known in London how the error occurred. The circumstances under which two copies of the telegram were delivered to Mr. Humphreys are as yet unknown, but a full explanation shall be sent to that gentleman on this point, and also as regards the refusal of the postmaster of Clogheen to furnish information. The cost of any telegrams sent by MR. Humphreys in consequence of the mistake will be refunded to him.