§ Mr. COOPERasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that statistics already compiled and easily obtainable by his Department have been recently refused to a number of branches of the 540 Postal Telegraph Clerks' Association; whether he is aware that a stereotyped and indefinite answer is being given both nationally and locally to officers of that association; and whether he will direct that information obtainable by his Department, and essential in the preparation of evidence, shall either be given or definitely refused?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)I am not aware of any case in which statistics already compiled have been refused to the staff of the Post Office. I am willing to afford all reasonable facilities to the staff for the preparation of evidence for the forthcoming inquiry, but as I have already indicated to the hon. Member, the question whether any particular information is given or refused depends on whether it is readily available.