§ MR. GILHOOLY (Cork, W.)I beg to ask the Postmaster General, with regard to the examination for male telegraph clerks which was held in Dublin in July 1891, on the condition that successful candidates should spend three months at the school without pay, after which time salary was to commence at 12s. per week, can he state how many of those who passed at that examination are now under pay; what length of time they have received it; how many have been three months in the school, and have not received pay; and if any have not received it will he state the reason; whether a new rule has recently been issued requiring telegraph clerks to attain a certain proficiency before getting any salary; and, if the clerks who have joined the Service before the new rule was issued will come under its provisions?
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONThe officers referred to are not examined as telegraph clerks, or as we say telegraphists, but as telegraph learners. They are lads without telegraphic knowledge, and are required to obtain such knowledge before they can be appointed. They are not charged for the tuition they receive in telegraphy, nor are they paid while receiving it. Two of the telegraph learners who passed at the July competition became proficient in telegraphy on the 4th March and received appointments with pay of 12s. a week, and two more have since that date become qualified and will be appointed without delay. Twenty-six of the remainder of the competitors who entered the School of Instruction a little more than three months ago are not yet qualified, and cannot, therefore, be appointed at present. It always has been the rule that the learners should attain a certain proficiency in telegraphy before being appointed.