§ COLONEL DALBIAC (Camberwell, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if he can state the result of the inquiry, promised by the Postmaster General in 1895, into the rate of pay of the younger telegraphists after five years' service; and why, though an increased rate was strongly supported by the Departmental witnesses before Lord Tweed-mouth's Committee, no allusion is made to this matter either in the Committee's Report or by the Postmaster General in his recent circular?
§ MR. HANBURYThis subject was not dealt with in the circular of 15th March last because it had been already dealt with in the previous circular of 10th August last. In consequence of the further concessions then made by the Postmaster General and myself, a telegraphist may, on attaining his 21st year and completing five years' established service, obtain three increments on his scale of pay—viz., (a) the ordinary increment allowed on a certificate of general good conduct and efficiency; (b) an additional increment on passing a qualifying examination in sorting as well as telegraphy, and being ready to place his services, as may be required, at the disposal of the authorities on either section of duty; (c) an additional increment on passing an examination in technical telegraphy. Thus a London telegraphist of five years' service may qualify in his sixth year of service for three increments of £6 each, or £18 in the aggregate, and a provincial telegraphist for three increments of 2s. a week, or about £16 in the aggregate.