§ MR. R. ASCROFT (Oldham)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether it is correct that on the occasion of large race meetings preference is given at the telegraph offices to racing and betting messages over ordinary business messages, and whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to same with a view to such course being at once abandoned?
§ MR. HANBURYAs far as the Postmaster General is aware, it is not correct that on the occasion of large race meetings preference is given at the telegraph offices to racing and betting messages over ordinary business messages; but if the hon. Member will furnish him with any information which leads him to think that such a practice exists, he will be glad to cause inquiries to be made in the matter. The officers of the Department are strictly forbidden to give any favour or priority of transmission, and any officer wilfully delaying the transmission of a telegram is liable to severe penalties.