MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that a telegraphist at the Brighton Telegraph Office has been in- 417 formed that he cannot pass the efficiency barrier unless he acquires a knowledge of telephony; whether the Tweedmouth Committee stated that telegraphists would be expected to perform this duty previous to passing the barrier; and whether the Postmaster General will state if it is the intention of the Department to demand this additional knowledge before a telegraphist can obtain more than 40s. per week.
§ MR. HANBURYIn the case of the officer referred to the Postmaster was unable to give the necessary certificate that he was able to perform the highest duties of his class in an efficient manner. His inefficiency does not arise solely from his inability to perform telephone duties. Telephone working was not mentioned in the recommendation of the Tweedmouth Committee nor was any other particular duty specified. It is not the intention to make any alteration in the conditions of efficiency, which may vary in different offices, but where telephone working is required the ability to perform it must be included in the highest duties of the officer's class.