§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELLI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that complaints have been received from a Dublin evening paper relative to the late receipt of telegraphic press messages; whether, seeing that the postal authorities have explained that the delays have been due to exceptional pressure, and have expressed regret for the inconvenience occasioned, steps will be taken immediately to obviate the inconvenience in future, by having an adequate staff to deal with cases of exceptional pressure.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.The Postmaster General is aware that complaints have been received from a Dublin evening newspaper relative to the late receipt of Telegraphic Press messages. It is true that delay has, at times, been caused by exceptional pressure of business, but in the last case brought under notice, delay was due to a temporary failure of telegraphic communication. When exceptional pressure is expected it is the practice of the Department to make arrangements to meet it both as regards wires and staff, but such pressure cannot always be foreseen.