§ MR. R. WALLACE (Edinburgh, E.)I beg to ask the Postmaster General, will he explain how it is that, although an open examination was held about 15 months ago for vacancies in the Telegraph Department in Edinburgh, the successful candidates, after some 12 months' attendance in the Telegraph School, have been informed that there are no vacancies, and that they must wait on indefinitely for appointments; and, whether working overtime is optional to clerks in the Edinburgh Office; and, if so, why have the clerks there been punished for declining to work overtime?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. ARNOLD MORLEY, Nottingham, E.)In consequence of the unfortunate stagnation of telegraph business, which has resulted from the general stagnation of trade, the Telegraph Establishment at Edinburgh has been found to be in excess of its requirements. In consequence of this, learners have not been required to fill 324 places as soon as was anticipated. They will, however, receive appointments as vacancies occur. I should add, however, that the Department has done what it could for these lads by offering them appointments on the postal side. As regards overtime, it is my desire to reduce it as far as possible. But it is the duty of every officer in the Postal Service to give such extra attendance at all times as the circumstances may call for. So long, however, as there are Volunteers for the duty, it is not the practice to enforce overtime on those who are reluctant to undertake it.