HC Deb 28 March 1905 vol 143 cc1388-9
MR. NANNETTI

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General if he is aware that, in face of the statement made by the Bradford Committee that they understood that the system of unpaid learners had been abolished, there are still unpaid learners in many offices in Ireland; and will he take steps to have this system abolished forthwith.

LORD STANLEY

The matter referred to by the hon. Member is under consideration.

MR. NANNETTI

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General if he can say, in view of the rule of his Department stating that no learners can be kept in the service for over two years without appointments, what arrangements does he intend to make to place upon the establishment in Ireland those learners who have already over two years service.

LORD STANLEY

There is no rule to the effect suggested by the hon. Member. I am now considering what steps can be taken to improve the position of learners of long service who have not been appointed, and the Memorandum I am about to issue will show what is being done temporarily until a definite scheme has been arrived at.