§ Mr. LONSDALEasked the Postmaster-General whether he has made inquiry into the reasons for the omission of the toast of the King at the dinner recently held in Belfast in connection with the Association of Irish Post Office Clerks; whether this association is recognised by the Department; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)A number of associations of members of the staff are recognised by the Department as channels through which representations may be made on matters affecting the conditions of service. The Association of Irish Post Office Clerks is one of these. Such recognition does not impose upon me the duty of intervening whenever action of which I disapprove is taken by an association, and, deplorable as was the occurrence which took place at a social gathering at Belfast, I do not propose to take any official action in the matter.