§ MR. W. C. STEADMAN Tower Hamlets, Stepney)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether the male telegraphists of the Central Telegraph Office are provided with only one staircase by which to enter the instrument gallery; whether this staircase will only permit of two men walking abreast, while 750 men are compelled to descend it, and 250 men to ascend it, every night at 8 p.m.; whether repeated complaints have been made to officials regarding its insanitary condition; and whether the Postmaster General will at once take proper advice to ascertain if the exit fulfils all the requirements that the Government demands from private owners of factories; and, if not, whether the necessary improvements will immediately take place?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. R. W. HANBURY,) PrestonThere is at present only one staircase used as an entrance leading from the men's cloak room in Roman Bath Street to the instrument galleries, but there are no fewer than six other exits communicating direct with the galleries, which are 793 available in case of emergency, and the provision in this respect is ample. The staircase in question is about the width stated, but the numbers using it at 8 p.m. are not so large, usually from 400 to 500 descending and about 100 ascending. Representations have been made that smells from the refreshment rooms, kitchens, and sculleries are at times perceptible on the staircase, but it is not believed that the condition of the staircase is insanitary in the ordinary sense of the term. When the alterations and improvements now in contemplation are carried out these defects will be remedied, and another staircase will be available for the men.