§ 57. Mr. GINNELLasked the Postmaster-General if he will specify the failure in duty, breach of rules, or other offence committed by Mrs. Somers, for which she has been removed from her position as postmistress of Dalkey, her sole means of living; whether he is aware that she is the widow of a telegraphic engineering inspector, who lost his life through a cold contracted when on special duty in the postal service; whether Mrs. Somers has always in the duties of her position given satisfaction to the Department and to the public; whether any charge has been made against her but one of service rivals relating neither to herself nor to her duties; how many years she has been in the service since her husband's death in it; and what provision the Department has made for her future?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEMrs. Somers was in the service of the Post Office for some twenty-three years, and on the whole performed her official duties satisfactorily. She was deprived of her position as sub-postmistress of Dalkley upon clear proof that she had permitted the sub-post office under her charge to be used as a centre for the distribution of seditious literature. She is not by the terms of her appointment entitled to any pension or other retiring allowance.
§ Mr. GINNELLWhat evidence has the right hon. Gentleman of that charge?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI had evidence submitted to me by the Irish Government, into which I inquired most carefully before I came to a decision.
§ Mr. GINNELLWas Mrs. Somers given an opportunity of defending herself?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEYes.