HC Deb 06 August 1896 vol 43 cc1683-4
MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General—(1) with reference to the late promotions to the first class of female telegraphists in Belfast, how many were so promoted, and what is the average length of service of each; how many were on that occasion superseded, and what is the length of their respective services; and also what were the grounds upon which these supersessions took place; (2) whether he is aware that those superseded have performed and continue to discharge similar duties as those performed by those by whom they have been superseded, and that similar duties in other large offices are participated in by members of the service holding the rank of first class telegraphist; (3) whether it is alleged that the supersessions in this instance are due to those superseded not being efficient in the manipulation of telegraph instruments; and (4), whether, seeing that the alleged disqualification is due to local administration which debarred them from attaining a high standard of proficiency, and that at least two of those superseded are equally as efficient as some of the present members of the first class, he will reconsider his decision in the matter?

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. R. W. HANBURY,) Preston

The number of women telegraphists recently promoted was seven. Their length of service ranged from 13 to 7½ years, the average being about 9½ years. Five women telegraphists were passed over, and their length of service was about 25 years in each case. These five were passed over because they were not qualified to perform the duties of first class telegraphists. The answer to the second paragraph is in the affirmative; but such work forms only a portion of that for which the promoted telegraphists may be made responsible. The answer to the third paragraph is, Yes. The Postmaster General has no reason to suppose that the disqualification of those who were passed over is due to any default in the local administration. The promoted telegraphists worked under the same conditions as the others. I have answered the hon. Member's Question, though I hope that the House will allow me to add that injury will be done to the Public Service, and pain may be caused to individuals, if questions are frequently asked as to the grounds on which promotions are made or refused.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Is it not a fact that the superseded telegraphists are now engaged on duties—public and departmental—as important as those of the telegraphists who superseded them?

MR. HANBURY

For a portion of the time they are—at the beginning of their new service. But the promoted telegraphists are liable at any time to be called upon to take much more responsible work, and it is for that work that those not promoted are not fitted.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Did any of them fail? Is it not fair that they should have an opportunity of trying that work?

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Member's Question has been fully answered.