§ * MR. GROVES (Salford, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster-General, if he can see his way to recommend an increase in the pay of the female junior telegraphists in the department at Manchester, and in that of the male junior telegraphists of the same town, who entered prim to October, 1901, so as to place them on the same scale as those who have entered since that date.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe Postmaster General is not at present prepared to entertain the proposal indicated by the hon. Member. The increase of pay allowed to male learners at Manchester during the last few months is regarded as a temporary measure only, 361 and affords no ground for a permanent addition to the wages of the established staff. The female telegraphists are not affected in any way.