§ MR. BARLOW (Somersetshire, Frome)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the three female telegraphists stationed at Bath, whom he has decided to transfer to other towns, entered the Bath Post Office as a result of open competitions for vacancies in that town only; and, if so, will he say whether compulsory transfer to other towns will be consistent with the conditions laid down by the Civil Service Commissioners; and whether he will reconsider his decision.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) The transfer of these three telegraphists to another town is not inconsistent with the Civil Service Commissioners' announcement which states the conditions of their service as learners. I recognise the desirability of avoiding as far as possible the compulsory transfer of female telegraphists; but in the present case, owing to the conditions at Bath, it has been found necessary to diminish the staff of women employed there, and the transfer of some of their number is unavoidable.