HC Deb 24 July 1900 vol 86 cc1058-9
MR. STEADMAN

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if, in view of the fact that sorters and postmen have been charged by officials of the Department with malingering and with being responsible for recent postal delays in London, he will appoint a Committee to inquire with whom the responsibility really rests.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The Postmaster General informs me that, as far as he is aware, no definite charges of the kind referred to by the hon. Member have been made. There seems to be no useful purpose likely to be served by such a Commission as he suggests.

MR. STEADMAN

Although, perhaps, the Postmaster General has not heard of the charges made against the men, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that officials under the Postmaster General have brought charges against the men in the public press?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am not aware of that. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give me some information as to the details, but at present the information is not in harmony with that I have received from the Postmaster General.

MR. STEADMAN

I will take the earliest opportunity afforded by the rules of the House to state the case of the men to the right hon. Gentleman.