§ MR. YOXALLI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that no telegraphists from Birmingham performed duty at the Worcester race meeting on 15th and 16th April and the Wolverhampton meeting on 19th and 20th May, and that, notwithstanding the extra cost of travelling and subsistence allowance, telegraphists from other towns further removed were employed; whether it is intended that the privilege which has hitherto been enjoyed by the Birmingham telegraph staff of furnishing a proportion of the staff for special events is to be withdrawn; and, if so, on what grounds.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe Postmaster General is aware that no telegraphists were withdrawn from Birmingham for the Worcester race meeting; but one was sent to Wolverhampton during the race meeting there. There were circumstances which rendered it practically impossible to withdraw any more. It is not intended to make any alteration in the practice of withdrawing staff from Birmingham for duty in connection with special events when telegraphists can be conveniently spared from that office.