§ MR. STEADMAN (Tower Hamlets, Stepney)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster-General, if, in view of his promise on 11th August last, he has looked into the matter of Volunteers employed on what is known as the minor establishment of the Post Office; and if he is now prepared to allow them the same privilege as is accorded to the employees on what is known as the major establishment of attending the camp at Aldershot without being the losers either monetarily or in time deducted from vacation.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. HANBURY,) PrestonI have made further inquiry into this matter, and I find that every facility consistent with the interests of the public service is given to all grades of Post Office employees to attend annual camps of exercise; and in a large number of cases the men are enabled to attend without expense to themselves. I think that the existing arrangements are sufficiently liberal, and that it would not be justifiable to increase the charge which now falls on 1548 public funds. I do not consider that the practice—if it exists—of allowing special leave to officers of the upper ranks of the service for the purpose of attending camp should be continued. Such absence should count as part of the officer's ordinary vacation.