§ MR. JAMES O'CONNORTo ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that mounted rural postmen are frequently called upon to lend their carts to substitutes during their periods of holiday leave, and whether he will put a stop to this practice, seeing that the Post Office will not accept any responsibility for accidents due to the negligence of the substitute, and that holiday periods are the only convenient times in which rural postmen may have their carts overhauled and cleaned so as to comply with the regulations.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) It is sometimes convenient that a mounted rural postman on holiday leave should lend his cart to his substitute, and I see no reason to alter the practice. No difficulty arises as regards overhauling and cleaning the carts. Any claims in respect of accidents receive equitable consideration, and compensation is awarded when justified by the circumstances.