HC Deb 03 July 1890 vol 346 cc670-1
EARL COMPTON

I beg to ask the Postmaster General when he will be able to state to the House the result of the Departmental Committee inquiry into the telegraphists grievances; whether a statement will be made before the Post Office Estimates are taken in Supply; and, whether, if any beneficial changes are adopted in the matter of overtime, increased holidays, sick pay, &c, they will date from the 1st April, in accordance with the precedent of Mr. Fawcett's Sehcme of 1881?

*MR. RAIKES

In reply to the noble Lord, I have to inform the House that I have carefully examined the Report of the Committee referred to, and have formed my conclusions thereon. I forwarded a copy of the Report to the Lords of the Treasury a few days ago. I shall be in a position to make a statement relating to this matter as soon as the Government has arrived at its decision, and I hope before the Post Office Estimates are taken in Supply. I fear that it will not be practicable to adopt the suggestion conveyed in the last part of the noble Lord's question.

EARL COMPTON

Is the right W Gentleman aware that there is some danger of the question of overtime being raised by the telegraphists in a very inconvenient manner about the 12th of this month?

*MR. RAIKES

Some rumours have reached me of a probable course of conduct on the part of some of the telegraphists employed in the Central Office, which conduct, I am sure, the noble Lord would be the first to condemn. Her Majesty's Government must be guided not so much by the attitude of the telegraphists, as by what we consider to be the real exigencies of the case.

EARL COMPTON

I asked whether, in consequence of there being great disaffection on the subject of overtime, it would not be possible to state before the 12th of July what course the Government intend to take in regard to this question?

*MR. RAIKES

I should be extremely glad if I am in a position to make a statement on all the subjects before the 12th of July.