HC Deb 15 July 1898 vol 61 cc1206-7
MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN (Cork)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, will he explain why five or six of the female telegraphists on regular duty in Cork Post Office are still classed as temporary telegraphists, though they were appointed in 1892, 1893, and 1894, respectively, and have passed all the examinations, including the medical; is the principle of seniority in regard to those who hold Civil Service certificates observed in the Cork branch; and, if not, will he explain on what grounds; will he explain why preference is given to female telegraphists brought in from outside stations, notwithstanding the fact that they got their Civil Service certificates later than the local telegraphists; and whether it is in accordance with the regulations of the service that female telegraphists who have passed all examinations, and whose competency is acknowledged by the Department, should be still classed as temporary telegraphists after four, five, and six years' service?

MR. HANBURY

The delay in the appointment of the seniors of the temporary telegraphists has partly been caused by their inability to pass the necessary educational examinations. But for this they would probably have been appointed a year or two ago. The principle of seniority is properly observed in filling appointments at Cork, and not a single female telegraphist has been transferred to Cork who had not obtained a Civil Service certificate five years or more before any of the present temporary telegraphists. It is not usual for temporary officers to remain unappointed for so long as five or six years, and the exceptionally long service of the Cork officers is attributable partly to want of success in the educational examinations and partly to scarcity of vacancies. In regard to the latter cause, it may be stated that the question of increasing the established staff at Cork is under consideration.

CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)

Do I understand the right honourable Gentleman to say that in an important office like this a fully qualified telegraphist has to waste five or six years before being appointed on the staff?

MR. HANBURY

A good many are not qualified, and have not passed the necessary examination.