§ MR. JAMES O'CONNORTo ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the duties of check clerk in the postal department at Glasgow are performed by officers below the rank of clerk, although the postmaster at that office has admitted that these duties pertain to the clerk's class; if so, will he state the cause of this state of affairs; and whether, in view of the fact that these officers are in charge of one of the busiest sections from 4 p.m. till 7.30 p.m., will he take steps to ensure that in future only officers in the clerk's class shall be employed in the check clerk's duties.
To ask the Postmaster - General whether he is aware that junior officers who are wholly unacquainted with counter duties are employed at Govan branch office, and that these officers, one of whom is No. 233 in the class of sorting clerks, and who is in receipt of only 22s. per week, lock up safes at 8.30 p.m. containing valuable stock, and thereafter retain both the keys of the safes and of the office in their possession until 6.30 the following morning; that these junior officers are in sole charge of the office and superintend thirty-five postmen at both the early morning and last deliveries, and that, if necessary, they are called upon to suspend postmen who may have over twenty years' set vice in case of any serious offence; and, if so, will he give instructions to employ officers in these posts at that branch office who are more fitted to hold such responsible positions.
(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) I have no information as to the facts alleged in these Questions, but I am making inquiry upon the subject.