MR. J. F. HOPE (Sheffield, Bright-side)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there are fourteen fully qualified learners in the Dundee Telegraph Department with service extending to three years, and that under present conditions there is no prospect of appointment for a considerable period; and whether, in view of the fact that these youths were attracted into the telegraph department by the prospect of permanent employment, he will state what steps he intends taking to provide appointments for learners who have proved themselves efficient.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) There are nine male and five female learners at Dundee, the greatest length of service in the case of the males being two years five months and in the case of the females two years nine months, and of these only 1109 four males and three females are fully qualified. The position, therefore, is not so serious as represented by the hon. Member. I regret that owing to the dearth of vacancies it has not been possible as yet to provide appointments for these officers, but I have recently arranged for an advance in the pay of those having more than two years service, and the whole matter is still receiving careful attention.