§ MR. W. J. CORBETasked the Postmaster General, If the female clerks and telegraphists employed in his department have given general satisfaction by their intelligence and efficiency in the discharge of their duties; whether, looking to the great importance, in a social point of view, of enlarging the field of female employment, he will, as occasion offers, throw open all the appointments in the Postal and Telegraph services that are suitable for females but are now reserved exclusively for men; and, whether, as vacancies occur, he will promote to some at least of the higher offices women who have given proof of their capacity and fitness for the discharge of the higher duties?
§ MR. FAWCETTSir, in reply to the hon. Member for the county of Wick-low, I am glad to be able to say that the female clerks and telegraphists employed by the Post Office have given general satisfaction. So much is this the case that the employment of women has been gradually and steadily extended. Any claims that they have to promotion will be carefully considered, and I can readily give an assurance that I shall lose no opportunity of still further extending the employment of women whenever it can be done with advantage to the Public Service.