HC Deb 26 October 1899 vol 77 cc740-1
MR, DILLON

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, will he explain why an antiquated procedure was resorted to by the Crown in the recent action against the Dublin Daily Express for a debt due to the Post Office; could he state what was the amount due and how long it had been due; and whether the amount due was in excess of the amount of credit usually allowed by the Department to newspapers under similar circumstances.

MR. HANBURY

The procedure adopted in the recent action of the Dublin Daily Express was followed under legal advice, being deemed to be that best adapted to protect the interests of the Crown. It could, of course, be stated what was the amount due and how long it had been due, but it does not seem desirable to disclose these details, especially as the proceedings in court are still sub judice The similar circumstances are fortunately very rare, but the Postmaster General would assure the hon. Member that the case was treated by the Department with every consideration.