§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to a recent case in which a telegraphist at the Central Telegraph Office was erroneously reported absent from duty and the sending of a doctor to this officer's residence to inquire his whereabouts; whether he is aware that this visit caused considerable anxiety to the officer's parents, and that, notwithstanding that the man was on duty from 11 a.m. to 10.30 p.m., no steps were taken to inform either the parents of this fact, or the officer concerned that inquiries had been made at his home; and whether, in view of the number of similar cases that have occurred and of the consequences that such visits are likely to cause, he will have inquiry made into the system of visitation at the homes of the staff by the medical officers of the Post Office?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe telegraphist in question had been under notice for frequent absence from duty on account of minor ailments, and arrangements had been made for him to be visited at home by the medical officer when he was next absent. On the 30th of July he took up duty without notifying the officer who records the time of attendance, and his apparent absence from duty was reported to the medical officer, who visited his home in due course. When it was discovered that he had taken up duty, the report of his absence was cancelled; but it was then too late to stop the medical officer. I regret any anxiety that may have been caused to his parents, but it was due to the telegraphist's own neglect, and I cannot see that the case affords any ground for the inquiry suggested by the hon. Member.