§ MR. W. T. WILSON (Lancashire, Westhoughton)To ask the Postmaster-General if he is aware that a member of the East Central Branch Committee of the Fawcett Association has been called upon to answer vague and general charges concerning his official conduct, upon his annual increment becoming due, without having previously had such charges brought to his notice; and whether he will make inquiries into the case with a view to insure equitable treatment for trade union officials.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) The sorter to whom the Question appears to refer is not a satisfactory officer. When the time came for considering whether his next increment should be allowed he was, in accordance with the regular practice, informed in writing of his shortcomings and asked if he had any explanation to give. Since then it has been necessary to ask him for a further explanation of a serious irregularity in connection with registered letters. His membership of a branch committee of the Fawcett Association had no influence whatever on the treatment of the case.