§ MR. JOYCEI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that the voluntary services of two sorting clerks and telegraphists at Limerick have extended over two years; can he now state what are the exceptional cases which have called for these extra attendances, and is it usual for the Department to accept such; and will he see that these officers are compensated; has the recent revision at Limerick provided for the whole or partial employment in the telegraph
† See page 561.841 branch of officers who have been certified as duly qualified; and do the official reports show that under the present management at that office the work has been efficiently performed.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe voluntary attendance given by the two officers in question beyond their official hours has, no doubt, extended off and on over a considerable time, but it was not called for by their superintendent and no claim has been made by them for payment. It is not unusual for voluntary service to be rendered on such duties as those on which the two officers are engaged; and no case arises for compensation. The recent revision provides for the partial employment in rotation of all duly qualified officers in the telegraph branch, as far as possible, and the work in that branch is efficiently performed. On the postal side there has has been some loss of efficiency due to weakness of staff, arising partly from sick absences, but by the appointment of new superintending officers the duties are now being put on a satisfactory footing.