§ MR. HERBERT SAMUEL () Yorkshire, N.R., ClevelandI beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he is aware that in the Oxford Central Post Office certain telegraph clerks, who, at the time of their appointment prior to 1896 were asked to undertake telegraph duties only, are now required to perform postal counter duties also; whether, seeing that in the Oxford Post Office the telegraph and postal departments were separate before 1896, he will take steps to remove this alleged grievance without transferring the clerks in question to other districts.
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.I went carefully into this question in the month of September last. I then satisfied myself that the arrangements in force at the Oxford Office were necessary for the efficient performance of the work of that office, and that the officers concerned were not unfairly treated. I accordingly caused them to be informed that I was unable to relieve them of the postal counter duties to which they referred in their memorial to me; and that I expected them, in common with all other officers of the Department, to loyally perform the work required of them. I have no doubt that the officers concerned will loyally accept my decision; and it is therefore unnecessary for me to consider what action it might be my duty to take under circumstances which I anticipate will never arise.