§ MR. STEADMANI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that a request was recently made by the Postal Telegraph Clerks' Association, London branch, for an interview with the Controller of the Central Telegraph Office, for the purpose of presenting a petition from the members of the staff, but that the Controller declined to receive a deputation, on the ground that he could not receive a deputation from the Telegraph Clerks' Association; and whether, in view of the official declaration of the late Postmaster General regarding the right of combination enjoyed by the Post Office employees, the decision of the Controller will be reconsidered?
§ MR. HANBURYYes, Sir, in accordance with the ordinary rule, the Controller of the Central Telegraph Office recently told some of his officers that, while he would be happy to receive a deputation from members of his staff, he could not receive a deputation which purported to come from the Postal Telegraph Clerks' Association. The officers in question have now applied to be received as members of the staff, and the Controller of the Central Telegraph Office will receive them in due course.