Mr. POINTERasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the absence of adequate provision for the prompt delivery of press telegrams delivered during the night; whether he is aware that, on 9th August, telegrams relating to the business of this House left London at times varying from 11.40 p.m. to 12.35 a.m., and were delivered at their destination, five minutes' walk from the Sheffield Post Office, after four o'clock, having taken from three hours and thirty-five minutes to four hours and twenty minutes to reach their destination; and whether he will make inquiry and take the necessary steps to secure a better service?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe hon. Member probably refers to the congestion of telegraph news in the Central Telegraph Office on the night of the 8th instant and the morning of the 9th, when the amount of news telegraphed constitutes a record. The amount was half as much again as the average, and some delay could not be avoided. I am, however, making special inquiry, and if there was remissness proper notice shall be taken.