§ MR. JOHN CAMPBELL (Armagh, S.)I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a Catholic 1035 member of the female staff at Armagh Post Office requested one hour's leave of absence during the morning of last St. Patrick's Day in order to attend her place of worship and was refused it by the postmaster, although all the available staff were at work and a capable substitute was willing to act for her; and whether, seeing no facilities are afforded the Catholic officers in Armagh for attending divine service on holidays, he will take steps to prevent a recurrence of this state of things.
LORD STANLEYI am informed that a member of the female staff at Armagh Post Office asked for two hours leave of absence on the 17th of March (St. Patrick's Day) at a time when a good deal of extra work was expected at the office. She did not say for what purpose the leave was required, nor did she offer to provide a substitute; and she was informed by the postmaster that she could not be spared.