§ MR. SCHWANNI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he can state the number of sorting clerks and telegraphists, with not more than six years service, who have resigned the postal and telegraph services during the years 1900 and 1901; whether he is aware that the resignations have in many cases been due to the amalgamated system introduced at the instance of the Tweedmouth Committee; and, whether, in view of the decrease in the number of male candidates for the positions of sorting clerks and telegraphists, the Postmaster General will consider the advisability of abandoning the scheme.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe number of resignations of Male Sorting Clerks and Telegraphists with not more than six years service was 114 in 1900 and 146 in 1901, or a percentage of .96 and 1.15 respectively to the total force employed. There is no reason to suppose that in many cases the resignations have been due to the system of dual training. It is true that there has been a dearth at some centres of male candidates for appointment as Sorting Clerks and Telegraphists, but at other centres there has been an abundant supply. In no case, however, is it believed, that the dual training has had any influence on the recruiting of the service, and the Postmaster General is not prepared to abandon the system.