§ MR. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)To ask the Postmaster General whether he is aware that Postman Lang-worthy, of Tiverton, applied for transfer to another walk, and quoted the regulations saying that rural postmen on arduous walks have the first claim to better walks, either town or rural, in the same district, and that not only has he been refused permission to transfer, but has been informed in the Secretary's name there is no such regulation, although it is quoted on page 24 of the Tweedmouth Committee's Report; and whether he will make inquiries into this case with the view to granting Mr. Lang-worthy's request.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) It is recognised that rural postmen on arduous walks may reasonably be allowed a first claim to better walks in the same district, other considerations being equal. This point was by no means overlooked 471 in the present case, but was in fact pressed with a serious desire to grant Lang-worthy's request, if possible. There are reasons, however, which make it undesirable that he should be transferred to the duty he asks for; and, as it appears that there is nothing very arduous in his present duties, his request was refused. The reference to the regulation seems to have been given under a misapprehension; but this in no way affected the decision.