§ MR. M. BROOKS (for Mr. GRAY)asked the Postmaster General, What were the dates of the receipt, in Dublin and London respectively, of the latest Petition of the Dublin Telegraph Clerks, praying for an assimilation of their salaries and duties to those of the Telegraph Clerks in English provincial towns; what was the date and nature of the reply; and, whether a circular has been issued changing the designation of these Telegraph Clerks to "Telegraphists;" whether, if so, this change of name is general in the service; whether it affects the official status of the clerks, and, if not, what was the reason of the change?
§ LORD JOHN MANNERSSir, the Petition referred to by the hon. Gentleman was received in Dublin on or about the 23rd November last, and was received in London the 28th November. The matter to which the question refers is of considerable importance, and requires very careful consideration, and I have not as yet come to any decision on it. With respect to the last part of the Question, a Circular was issued changing the name from telegraph clerks to telegraphists; but that change was general to all the clerks of the Service. It does not in any way affect their status, and was adopted simply with a view to general convenience.