DR. CAMERNasked the Postmaster General, Whether there is any foundation for a report which is current in telegraphic circles that it is the intention of the Post Office gradually to discontinue the employment of female telegraph clerks?
§ LORD JOHN MANNERSIn reply to the hon. Member, I beg to say that I attach very great value to the employment of female labour in the Telegraph Department, and, therefore, I have no intention whatever to discontinue it. I may be allowed to explain that in consequence of the inexpediency, to say the least, of employing female labour in the Central Telegraph Department in London at night, it has been found that the stress of work upon the male staff has become excessive, and, therefore, it has been found necessary to reduce to some extent the proportion of female labour in order to augment that of male labour. As soon as the proportions of male and female labour have been placed upon a footing which may be expected to prove a permanent basis, the introduction of female labour into the service will be immediately resumed.