§ MR. WILLOX (Liverpool, Everton)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he has received Memorials from the second-class telegraph clerks of Liverpool praying that their present wages may be increased; whether he is aware that the rate of wages paid in the Post Office is much below the recognised value of similar services in telegraphic 675 concerns outside the control of the Department; and whether something can be done to improve the position, as regards pay and promotion, of second-class telegraph clerks with over five years' service?
§ MR. A. MORLEYI have received Memorials such as those described in the question; and, having carefully considered them, I have replied to the effect that I am not prepared to increase the wages of the Memorialists. The whole subject was carefully examined in 1890, when the position and pay of second class telegraphists were materially improved at considerable cost to the Exchequer. I do not see sufficient reason to depart from the decision then arrived at. I am of opinion that, on the whole, the Government Telegraph Service offers greater advantages than the service of private Companies.