MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that the application of the general secretary to the Postmen's Federation for leave of absence to enable him to attend meetings of the executive of the Federation, to be held on the 29th, 30th, and 31st instant, was refused, although leave of absence was given to other members of the executive who reside in London districts; and whether in view of the fact that the General Post Office authorities always profess a readiness to give facilities to the officers of the various associations of employees to conduct the business of these bodies, and in view of the importance of the secretary of the executive being present, he will see that leave is given them to attend.
§ MR. HANBURYI have not received the reply to this question.
§ MR. STEADMAN (Tower Hamlets, Stepney)May I ask whether the delay is caused by the absence of the Postmaster General, who is going to the front? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that even to-day throe postmen from the same post office have been allowed leave of absence?
§ MR. HANBURYI have no information.
MR. PATRICK O'BRIENHow is it, in view of the fact that the Post Office authorities have every means of communication at their disposal, in the shape of telegraph and telephone wires, they cannot give a simple answer to a straight question put in this House?
§ MR. HANBURYAll I have to say is that I have no information.