MR. CATHCART WASONI beg to ask the Postmaster-General if he will state on what grounds of moral or economic necessity postmen are compelled to deliver letters, newspapers, commercial matter in rural districts in Scotland at certain places and houses, and at certain houses only, on the Sabbath; and if, having regard to the money which would be saved to the country, without any detriment to the public service, he will consider the advisability of discontinuing this Sabbath breaking on the part of the State.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONThis subject has engaged the attention of several Parliamentary Committees—the last of which sat in 1887. The present practice under which Sunday deliveries are instituted or discontinued at the request of the representatives of the persons affected is founded upon the recommendations of those Committees, and has worked satisfactorily. There are comparatively very few Sunday posts in rural districts in Scotland, and they are laid out with the view of minimising Sunday labour. The wishes of those postmen who desire exemption from Sunday work are complied with as far as practicable. As I stated in the Post Office debate, I desire 1145 to discourage and not to encourage Sunday labour in the Post Office service.