§ CAPTAIN NORTONI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that all London telegraphists entering the service between the years 1881 and 1889 were informed by the Civil Service Commissioners that they had a prospect of receiving £190 per annum; and that during these years operating telegraphists received this salary the senior class being classed in the Estimates as among the general body. Will he explain why some London telegraphists are now in receipt of £160 per annum with no reasonable prospect of advancement; and, whether the Postmaster General will state what steps are to be taken in order to carry out the promise of the Civil Service Commission in the case of all men included in the promise.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe Postmaster General is aware that London telegraphists entering the service at the period referred to had a prospect of rising to £190 a year by promotion to the class of Senior Telegraphists, now styled Overseers and Senior Telegraphists; and they have that prospect still. The class still exists and access to it is obtained in the same manner as heretofore, namely by promotion on the occurrence of vacancies.