MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Postmaster General whether amongst the telegraphists requisitioned for special duty at the last Epsom Spring Meeting, were two from Derby, one from Northampton, one from Leeds, two from Leicester, three from Birmingham, three from Brighton, one from Manchester, two from Bristol, and two from Southampton, most of whom were employed on special duty, and paid at special rates during the ensuing week; will he explain why it was necessary to bring telegraphists such a lengthened distance, and at such a large additional cost, when the staff of the Central Office in London were available; and whether he will see his way, in justice to the clerks at the Central Telegraph Office, and with a view to economy, to supply the staff at special events from the nearest centre?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONThe arrangements made for the service in question were those which were deemed most convenient and economical, and no question of justice or injustice arises in connection with them.