HC Deb 27 March 1905 vol 143 cc1192-3
MR. SCHWANN

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that women telegraphists and women telephonists at Brighton have been informed that they are to be compelled to perform Sunday duty, and that the persons affected have protested against this action on the part of the authorities; whether the Department will economise by employing women in the place of men; and whether, in view of the objection taken by the women to the imposition of Sunday duties, he will reconsider his decision.

THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Lord STANLEY,) Lancashire, Westhoughton

I am aware of the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers. After fully considering the protest I decided that the arrangement, which is an economical one, should be adopted, and I see no reason for altering my decision, especially as the duty will fall to by far the larger number of the officers concerned on only about three Sundays in the year.