§ 36. Mr. GRETTONasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that several postmen have undertaken to distribute Socialist literature on their rounds during the period from 7th to 14th June, which is described as Red Week; and whether he will take steps to prevent political propaganda being carried on by these means?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEMy attention has been called to a statement on the subject which appeared in the public Press. Postmen are not permitted to distribute circulars which have not passed through the post.
§ Mr. BARNESHas the right hon. Gentleman any means of ascertaining whether the facts are as stated in the question?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe newspaper paragraph said that "several postmen have undertaken to distribute literature." I really could not undertake an inquisition amongst all the postmen in the United Kingdom to find out whether several postmen have or have not disobeyed the Regulations on the point.
§ Mr. BARNESIs there nothing in the paragraph to indicate the district?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSENothing more definite-than the words I have read to the House.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEIs there anything in the Regulations to prohibit Post Office servants from distributing Tariff Reform or Socialist literature when their day's work is over?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI should like notice of that question. It is quite clear that postmen cannot be employed in distributing any other matter than that which comes within the ordinary course of their duty.