HC Deb 10 November 1902 vol 114 cc462-3
MR. TULLY

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he can state what is the nature of the rule in Wales requiring Post Office officials to have a knowledge of the Welsh language; and what is the proportion of English to Welsh speaking people in any postal district where the officials are not required to know the two languages.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

There is no rule on this subject; but in appointing postmasters to places in Wales where the district surveyor reports that the knowledge of Welsh is necessary it is the practice to select only a candidate who possesses it. I am not able to state the proportion of English to Welsh speaking people in any postal district.

MR. TULLY

Will the right hon. Gentleman give similar instructions to the surveyors in Ireland?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I see no reason for that.