§ MR. STEWART MACLIVERasked the Postmaster General, If he is aware that a new portion of duty has been assigned to the female telegraphists at the Chief Office (from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.), contrary to the assurance given to the House, that under no circumstances would females be employed after 8 p.m.; 1842 and, whether this alteration, if continued, will not prove detrimental to the service by deterring eligible young women from entering it?
§ MR. FAWCETTSir, I am not aware that I have ever given such an assurance as my hon. Friend (Mr. Stewart Macliver) states—namely, that under no circumstances would females be employed after 8 p.m. It has been the practice for many years past, during two or three months of the summer, to keep a few female telegraphists upon duty up to 9 p.m., to meet pressure of business in the busy season. It rarely happens that more than 12 female telegraphists out of a force of 600 are required to perform this duty; indeed, that is the number at present so employed, and I do not think it will be found to be detrimental to the Service.