§ MR. NANNETTII beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that a new leave scheme, based on an announcement made in the official circular 15th March, 1898, had been introduced this year in the Dublin sorting office; whether he is aware that this circular stated that the staff were to understand that the success of the scheme depended on their own co-operation, and that the Postmaster-General and the Secretary to the Treasury would not feel justified in sanctioning its permanent adoption unless assured that they had the co-operation of the staff; and, seeing that the majority of the Dublin sorting office staff was in favour of the scheme referred to, and that the feelings of the staff were not taken when the new scheme was being drafted for operation in the Dublin sorting office, will he state what steps he proposes to take.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe matter referred to by the hon. Member received my personal attention. The majority of the class of sorting clerks and telegraphists at Dublin was in favour of the scheme, and the scheme has accordingly been adopted.