HC Deb 31 August 1909 vol 10 cc177-8
Mr. NANNETTI

asked the right hon. Gentleman if he will make inquiries as to whether the junior superintendent in the telegraph office, Dublin, is frequently guilty of discourteous conduct towards the staff; whether he is aware that the staff has complained both verbally and in writing of this officer's conduct; can he say what qualifications, technical or otherwise, did this officer possess when promoted to his present rank; and whether the Controller had occasion in the presence of the staff to censure this officer for his methods of supervision?

Mr. BUXTON

I can only repeat the answer which I gave to a similar question by my hon. Friend on 26th August, namely, that I have received no complaint on the subject.

Mr. NANNETTI

May I point out to my right hon. Friend that the question on the Paper has not been answered. I asked if the Postmaster-General would make inquiries into the allegations in question.

Mr. BUXTON

I do not think it is my duty to make inquiries of this kind in reference to matters in regard to which I have received no complaints from the staff through the ordinary channel.

Mr. NANNETTI

Is it not a fact that the ordinary channel for getting information has been closed in the case of the General Post Office, Dublin?

Mr. BUXTON

Certainly not. If a member of the staff desires to make the complaint he has a full opportunity of communicating with me personally. Nothing has been done to prevent this, and any member of the staff who has a complaint to make can make it.

Mr. NANNETTI

As this is a matter of great importance, I wish to know if I am not entitled to a reply to my question? I want to know will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into this matter?

Mr. BUXTON

Until I have a definite complaint, I do not think it is my duty to hold a roving inquiry into allegations which, so far as I am aware, have no foundation in fact.

Mr. MacNEILL

Has not my hon. Friend made a very definite complaint on behalf of those he represents in Parliament?

Mr. BUXTON

I do not think so.

Mr. NANNETTI

As a Member of this House, I claim that when I put a question dealing with a matter of public importance I have a right to receive a courteous reply to the effect that an inquiry will be made into my allegations. I never heard of such a refusal before.

Mr. SPEAKER

Order, order. The answer has been given, and I do not think it is discourteous. The hon. Member has got a full answer.