HC Deb 25 July 1923 vol 167 cc459-60
83. Mr. W. GREENWOOD

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that Mr. G. W. Garner, of 4, Bombay Road, Edgeley Fold, Stockport, is suffering a diminution in his superannuation owing to a Departmental delay in his retirement being authorised; and, as this delay was entirely the fault of the Department and not of Mr. Garner, will he take steps to ensure that the matter is put in order and the retirement authorised as from 13th February, 1922?

Captain KING

rose to reply on behalf of the Postmaster- General.

Captain W. BENN

On a point of Order. May I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the practice—which has become a practice—of the Postmaster-General not to attend in his place to answer questions? May I ask whether there is any way in which you or the House can bring him to attend to this important part of his duties?

Mr. MOSLEY

Can the Press Gallery be searched for the Postmaster-General?

Captain KING

May I point out to the hon. and gallant Gentleman that the Postmaster-General is always in his place on Tuesdays—his regular day? May I also remind him of the fact that the Postmaster-General, being a Cabinet Minister, has many additional duties, besides those covered by his predecessor, and also that he has no Assistant Postmaster-General, as his predecessor had?

Captain BENN

On a point of Order. May I ask you, Sir, whether you concur in the view of the Under-Secretary that Ministers are bound to attend here on only one specified day in the week?

Mr. SPEAKER

I do not take that view.

Captain KING

My right hon. Friend has already explained the circumstances of the case by letter to the hon. Member. This officer was not certified by the chief medical officer to be permanently incapacitated until the 23rd February, 1922, and it is not possible to bring him within the scope of the former Regulations which were withdrawn on the 20th of that month.

Mr. GREENWOOD

Is it not a fact that it was absolutely through the delay of the Department that this was not certified, and that it was through no fault whatever of this man?

Captain KING

I did not gather that from the answer, but I will ask my right hon. Friend.