§ Mr. SLOANasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that on the morning of the 10th instant a traveller in the firm of John Clarke and Company, Limited, Belfast, despatched a telegram from Randalstown, county Antrim, a distance of 12 miles from Belfast, and that the said telegram was not delivered for 12 hours after being sent; if he is aware that, owing to Messrs. Clarke and Company, Limited, having to close on the night of the 10th instant till the morning of the 13th, for; Easter holidays, the delayed telegram could not be attended to for three clear days from its despatch; whether any 723 explanation can be given for this delay; and, in view of the inconvenience it has caused, can he state what action, if any, he proposes to take?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Sydney Buxton)An apology and explanation were sent from Dublin to Messrs. Clarke and Co. on 20th April.
§ Mr. SLOANMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has got a telegram in his possession which was 12½ hours going from Randalstown to Belfast, and whether, in view of the fact that the firm has been put to great inconvenience, he cannot give reasonable redress in the matter?
§ Mr. BUXTONThere was a question of unusual delay in regard to this telegram and an apology was made. I do not know that we can do more than that.
§ Mr. BUXTONCertainly.