§ MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE (Bristol, E.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether a revision of the Bristol post office staff was due in 1901; and whether, in view of the number of men affected, he will state when the scheme will be brought into effect.
(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) Revisions of the postal force at any office do not become due at any particular period, but are carried out as circumstances require. It is not clear whether the Question refers to the outdoor or the in-door force. A revision of the outdoor force was authorised in 1901, except as regards the superior appointments, proposals as to which are now approaching settlement. A revision of the indoor force is in hand, and will be brought into operation as soon as practicable.