§ MR. G. LAMBERT (Devon, South Molton)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he has received from the inhabitants of Chulmleigh, Devon, a petition praying that a portion of the heavy law costs inflicted on Miss Adella Ford in vindicating her innocence of the charge brought against her by the Postal Authorities at Exeter, on 21st November 1896, may be paid to her by the Postmaster General; and, if so, whether the Postmaster General will be good enough to favourably consider such petition?
§ MR. HANBURYIn February the Postmaster General received a petition from the inhabitants of Chulmleigh praying, inter alia, that some payment might be made to Miss Ford as compensation for the expense to which she had been put in connection with her trial. The Postmaster General gave very careful consideration to the petition, and with great regret came to the conclusion that he could not comply with it. The petitioners were answered accordingly. I do not know whether the hon. Member is aware of the admitted facts in this case; but I shall be glad to show them to him for his own information.