§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the medical officer at Belfast directs the men to resume duty on a particular day, but advises the Department that they will be able to resume duty at an earlier date; and that as a result officials are often reported for exceeding their sick leave; and, if so, will he give instructions that the medical officer gives his orders to resume duty in writing, the duplicate of his advice to be sent to the Department.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) A recent case has been brought to my notice in which a sorting clerk and telegraphist at Belfast did not attend for duty on the day named by the medical officer. The circumstances of this case do not correspond accurately to those described by the hon. Member, but I am not aware of any other recent cases of the same character. I do not consider that any change of practice is required.