SIR WALTER FOSTER (Derbyshire, Ilkeston)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Post-master General, whether, in view of the scientific interest attaching to comparative statistics of mortality from phthisis, he will grant a Return showing the mortality and superannuations from hat disease in the Post Office, distinguishing between the various occupations, he outdoor and indoor staffs, London and the provinces, and the various ages of the employees.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINIt would be difficult to give all the details referred to, but it may perhaps suffice to say that the average annual number of deaths from phthisis in the past three years was forty-seven, and the average number of established officers (men) in the United Kingdom in those years was 52,146, showing a death rate of .9 per 1,000.
SIR WALTER FOSTERWill the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of giving a larger amount of detail in the annual Report of the Postmaster General.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI will communicate with the Postmaster General on the point.