§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)To ask the Postmaster General whether his atten- 772 tion has been called to the system in force at Clones and other provincial post offices, in which unestablished learners with small pay, are placed upon money order and other counter duties involving monetary risk, and are required to make good all deficiencies incurred on these duties; and what action, if any, does he propose taking in this matter.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) Though experienced officers are as a rule employed on duties involving monetary responsibility, it is sometimes necessary to entrust such duties to junior officers, and even to learners when acting as substitutes for sorting clerks and telegraphists. The general rule that officers shall make good losses resulting from their errors is not enforced in those cases in which the circumstances appear to justify its suspension.