§ MR. BIGGARI beg to ask the Postmaster General, Why were three terms of special duty, in 1883, with per diem allowance attached, which were supplied from the Dublin Telegraph Office last year, given to one female telegraphist? Is it true that, on the third occasion, although absent from the office on sick leave, instructions were sent to said telegraphist at her private residence to proceed on this duty; and will he see that these special duties are fairly divided amongst the Dublin female telegraphists?
§ MR. FAWCETT, in reply, said, there were only a limited number of telegraphists qualified for the special duty referred to by the hon. Member; and, so far as he was able to ascertain, the duty had not been unequally apportioned. With regard to the particular case mentioned of a female telegraphist being asked to perform one of these special duties when in ill-health, he explained that it was to assist at an office at the seaside, and it was thought that the change would do her good.