HC Deb 09 November 1911 vol 30 cc1818-9
Mr. NEWMAN

asked what were the findings of the recent inquiry at the Cork General Post Office?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I assume that the hon. Member's question relates to the recent complaints about the delay of press telegrams sent to Cork. The inquiry which I have instituted on this subject has satisfied me that the work is done well at that office. Delays in transmission have been due to pressure of business on other parts of the telegraph system.

Mr. NEWMAN

asked the reasons that led to the reducing of the local assistant superintendent, Cork City district, Moymahan, to the lower grade of sorting clerk, and transferring him to Dublin at his own expense; what were the specific charges preferred against the officer and on which he was found guilty; and whether one of such charges was or was not that, at the Cork Parliamentary by-election of 1910, he opened and handed over to be read out at a Nationalist meeting a Unionist circular of importance before delivering the same to addressee on envelope?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The officer to whom the hon. Member refers was reduced in rank because I was satisfied from the evidence taken at a special inquiry that he was unfit to be retained in a position of control. The charge mentioned in the latter part of the hon. Member's question was put forward, but it was not necessary to pursue it, and it had nothing to do with the disciplinary action taken.

Mr. NEWMAN

May I ask why it was decided to hold the inquiry?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

It was alleged there had been a leakage from the Post Office through a Post Office official, so it was necessary to inquire into the matter.

Mr. NEWMAN

Was the right hon. Gentleman satisfied there was no truth in the charge made?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

So far as I remember the evidence in this particular part of the case—the case being a very voluminous one—the conclusion arrived at was that this officer might be responsible for the leakage, but it was not proved he was.