HC Deb 06 May 1912 vol 38 cc18-9
Mr. ROWLANDS

asked the Postmaster-General what arrangements there are, if any, at the central post offices, especially in connection with the money order departments, for foreign visitors to be dealt with in their own languages; whether, if this convenience exists, he can state at which offices and which are the languages spoken; and if there is a public notice of the fact in the respective offices?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

An interpreter is employed at the counter of the General Post Office in King Edward Street, London, and at various other offices members of the staff have a knowledge of foreign languages. I could not, however, specify those offices without detailed inquiries.

Mr. ROWLANDS

Are notices put up in these post offices?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

At the King Edward Street post office there is an interpreter, who is labelled as such on his uniform. In the other post offices no notices of the kind are put up. I will consider the suggestion.

Mr. ROWLANDS

Are special advantages given to those officials who are proficient in modern languages and qualified for those posts?