§ CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)To ask the Postmaster-General if he will explain why the privilege accorded to telegraphists of perusing official papers concerning their personal character is withheld from sorters.
1379 (Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) I am not certain to what official papers the hon. Member refers; but as regards papers relating to questions of discipline, the practice prevailing in the Department is as stated in the Report of the Tweedmouth Committee: "We understand that, before punishment of an officer, the precise nature of the charge brought against him is explained to him in writing, and that he is allowed to make, on his own behalf, a written explanation. This rule which secures officers against unjust treatment should be strictly adhered to. More than once a claim has also been made that officers should have the right to see all confidential reports made on their conduct. The admission of this claim would, we consider, be detrimental to the control exercised by superior officers." So far as I am aware, no privilege has been accorded to telegraphists which is withheld from sorters. But the extent of the official correspondence which can be shown to the officers must, of course, vary with the circumstances of the case.