§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the local postmaster at Thaxted, Essex, who is a bookseller, has been informed by the surveyor at Dunmow that the display of Socialist and political pamphlets has been objected to, and that in consequence of this the bookseller has considered it advisable not to have on sale Socialist and political pamphlets; and whether there is any rule or regulation which prohibits the sale of such pamphlets in booksellers' and stationers' shops where there also is a post office?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI understand that the sub-postmaster of Thaxted displayed certain pamphlets, and an announcement of a meeting, and that complaint was made by members of the public. When the attention of the sub-postmaster was called to the matter he withdrew the pamphlets and notice. I will make further inquiry. The rule which applies in such circumstances is a general regulation requiring officers of the Post Office to maintain a certain reserve in political affairs. There is no rule prohibiting the sale by sub-postmasters of political pamphlets as part of their ordinary business.