Mr. NUGENTasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that some time ago a charge of insubordination was made against a member of the Post Office staff at Kilkenny six days after the alleged occurrence; that this officer, as a result, has had a serious record made against him in his conduct report; whether Rule 41 of the rule book for sorting clerks and telegraphists and Rule 379A of the rules for head postmasters were ignored in this case; whether the charge of insubordination was only made as the result of three written applications by the officer concerned to the postmaster for an explanation of a verbal charge made against the former by the latter; whether an assistant surveyor who was sent to inquire into the matter informed the officer concerned that there was no foundation for the derogatory remarks addressed to him by the postmaster; and whether he will give instructions to have the adverse record removed?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe case to which it is presumed the hon. Member refers occurred in August, 1916. The circumstances have been fully considered, and I am satisfied that no injustice was done to the officer concerned, against whom no disciplinary action beyond a caution was taken. I am not prepared to reopen the matter.