§ MR. LAWSON WALTON (Leeds, S)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there are five female learners at present in the Leeds Postal Telegraph Department with two and a half years service, who, with the exception of a few weeks, have been on half-time duty at 5s. per week; and whether, in view of the fact that an official witness before the Wages Committee stated learners were generally appointed after about one year of service, and the local authorities state that nothing can be 1031 done, he will state what steps he proposes to take to provide appointments in these cases.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) The five learners referred to have, for considerably more than half the period since the 1st of January, 1902, been employed on full-time duty at wages varying from 10s. to 15s. a week, according to their age, service, and qualifications. They will be appointed to the class of sorting clerks and telegraphists as soon as vacancies occur on that class at Leeds; in the meantime they will, as far as circumstances permit, be employed on full-time duties either at Leeds or at some other office. It is due to the fact that the telegraph work at Leeds has not increased so rapidly as was expected that vacancies have not occurred to which these learners could be appointed.