§ MR. SHACKLETONTo ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there are at Liverpool sixty-five male telegraph learners waiting appointment, thirty-nine of whom are fully qualified, all receiving 6s. per week, and that these learners have been informed that they can only be appointed as vacancies occur which it is necessary to fill; and, if so, whether, in view of the declaration of official witnesses before the Bradford Commission that the Post Office endea- 780 voured to place learners upon the establishment after twelve months service, he will take steps to provide the youths with appointments.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) There are at present seventy male learners at Liverpool. Of these thirteen have been nominated for vacant positions as sorting clerks and telegraphists, to which they will be appointed in due course. Candidates for learnerships are informed before they enter the competitions that vacancies for sorting clerks and telegraphists occur at irregular intervals, and that no assurance can be given as to the time within which an established appointment will be obtained, regret that until vacancies occur am unable to provide the other youths with appointments.